Researchers at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Smith Engineering at Queen’s University have completed the first study in Canada using special X-ray technology to look at how the human shoulder moves. This research took place in Kingston, Ontario, and was announced on March 24, 2026, using high-tech imaging to show that long-held beliefs about how the shoulder works are actually incorrect.
The study was done at the Skeletal Observation Laboratory, which is located inside the Hotel Dieu Hospital site. This lab is one of only two places in the country that can use this advanced equipment to create 3D images of bones while a person is moving. By combining X-rays with 3D bone maps from other scans, the team can see exactly how a shoulder joint acts during daily tasks like pushing or pulling objects.
For a long time, it was believed that more upward movement of the shoulder blade was always better for a patient. However, the study found that the shoulder blade actually adjusts its movement depending on the specific task to keep the joint stable. According to Dr. Steven Smith, the head of the hospital’s research institute, this discovery is essential for designing better medical treatments and surgical procedures in the future.
The project was led by researcher Erin Lee and lab director Michael Rainbow. Their findings could help local patients by improving rehabilitation programs and helping to prevent future shoulder injuries. This work is a joint effort between the university faculty and the KHSC Research Institute to find new ways to help community members recover from joint issues.
