3D Image-Based Morphometric Analysis of the Scapular Neck Length in Subjects Undergoing Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Scapular notching after RSA may, in part, be related to a patient's scapular morphology. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel 3D measurement technique to describe infraglenoid tubercle morphometry. We hypothesize that the parameters describing infraglenoid tubercle would be normally distributed and would correlate with individual's demographics and glenoid morphometry.

Materials and Methods: A group of 110 subjects treated with RSA were evaluated. Scapular geometry was obtained from pre-operative CT scans. The scapular neck length was defined in anterior and posterior view as the orthogonal distance between the glenoid surface and a) the point of most significant change of curvature on lateral pillar; b) the most lateral portion of the infraglenoid tubercle. Scapular neck angle, maximum anatomical adduction angle, glenoid width, height and version were also measured.

Results: Scapular neck length measured in the anterior and posterior view were normally distributed with mean values of 17.6±2.8mm and 7.9±2.5mm, respectively. Scapular neck angle was on average 112.4±10.6° and maximal adduction angle was 17.6±2.8°. No significant associations between infraglenoid tubercle morphometric parameters, demographic, glenoid size or version were identified.

Conclusions: Improved understanding of the patient-specific risk factors for scapular notching will help surgeons with pre-surgical planning and implant selection. Parametrization of the infraglenoid tubercle presented in this study showed normal distribution in the population unrelated to gender, side or demographics. The size of the infraglenoid tubercle is a unique trait, pre-operative evaluation of the scapular neck should be always warranted to decrease the incidence of post-operative notching. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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