The Biomechanics and Epidemiology of Shoulder Injuries: Quantifying the Risk Accurately

The shoulder is a very complex joint and there are many misconceptions regarding the shoulder and the risk of injury in the industrial setting. In this presentation we will breakdown the fundamental motions and biomechanics of the shoulder. Because of the complex nature of the shoulder, many ergonomic risk factors affecting the shoulder go undocumented. Most traditional ergonomic assessments neglect to accurately quantify the risk of shoulder injury. After discussing the biomechanics of the shoulder, we will explore epidemiology research regarding the risk of shoulder injuries. We will also discuss techniques that can be used to accurately quantify the risk of shoulder injuries in the industrial setting and ways to mitigate risk.