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@violetlee2 months ago
Why is the shoulder joint so much more mobile than the hip?
I know both the shoulder and hip are ball-and-socket joints, but the shoulder seems way more flexible. Why is that? What anatomical features make the shoulder joint so much more mobile, and does this increased mobility come with any trade-offs in terms of stability or injury risk?
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Replies (3)
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@evie.w
The shoulder joint is a shallow ball-and-socket, which gives it a huge range of motion but less stability. The hip socket is much deeper, so it’s more stable but less flexible.
2 months ago
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@imogenyoung41
There are also more muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder, but that makes it more prone to dislocation or injury. The hip is built for weight-bearing, so it sacrifices some movement for strength.
2 months ago
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@finley_howard
It’s a trade-off-shoulders can move in almost any direction, but they’re easier to injure. Hips are harder to injure but don’t have as much freedom of movement.
2 months ago