BACKGROUND:The shoulder joint,as a non-weight-bearing joint of the human upper limb,is considered a perfect compromise between flexibility and stability.The traditional experimental mechanics research of shoulder joints has some limitations due to the complexity of internal structure,measurement techniques and ethical issues.The finite element analysis method is applied to the research of shoulder joints,which provides valuable reference conclusions for the discussion of shoulder joint diseases and the decision of surgical methods. OBJECTIVE:To review the status of finite element research in the field of the shoulder joint,and to put forward the prospect of future research. METHODS:The finite element analysis method was used to search the literature on shoulder joint complex-related diseases in PubMed,Web of Science,WanFang and CNKI databases by computer.Chinese search terms were"shoulder joint,finite element analysis,rotator cuff injury,glenoid labrum,shoulder joint replacement".English search terms were"FE,should joint,glenohumeral joint,rotator cuff tears,glenoid labrum,shoulder arthroplasty".The search period was mainly from January 2010 to January 2023.Some important documents were also tracked,retrieved and read. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the open network of model data and the establishment of relevant model databases,finite element research has become more and more standardized and reproducible.(2)The widely validated finite element model of the shoulder joint deepens our understanding of the shoulder field to enable more efficient clinical decision-making.(3)With the continuous development of computer technology and software development,future finite element research is bound to become an indispensable practical tool for clinical scientific research.