Pressure-position relations in the glenohumeral joint.

The intra-articular pressures in the glenohumeral joint in different positions were measured in 12 cadaveric shoulders. The lowest pressure was found in abduction combined with traction. A significant rise in pressure was seen in positions combining flexion or abduction with rotation. The injected volume to produce a certain pressure as well as the maximum pressure attained in each shoulder showed great variation. These factors are important considerations for immobilization of the shoulder and manipulation during arthroscopy.