Morphometry and Morphology of Glenoid Cavity of Scapula

Abstract

Introduction: The Glenoid cavity is regarded as the head of the scapula. The morphology of glenoid cavity is highly variable. It articulates with the head of the humerus at the glenohumeral joint. Shape and dimensions of the glenoid cavity are important in the design and fitting of glenoid components for total shoulder arthroplasty. An understanding of variations in normal anatomy of the glenoid is essential while evaluating pathological conditions like osseous bankart lesions and osteochondral defects. The aim of the present study was to obtain the anthropometric data of the glenoid cavity of the scapula and to study the various shapes of the glenoid cavity which will help in management of shoulder pathology. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 74 dry, unpaired adult human scapulae (36 right side and 38 left side )of unknown sex belonging to the saurashtra population. Maximum superior-inferior diameter and Maximum anterior-posterior diameter of the glenoid cavity were measured and. The shape of the glenoid cavity was classified as inverted comma shaped, pear shaped and oval shaped depending upon the presence or absence of a notch on the glenoid rim. Results: The average SI diameter on right and the left sides were 38.49 ± 3.17mm and 38.06 ± 3.34mm respectively. The average AP-1 diameter of the right glenoid were 24.76±2.49mm and that of the left was 24.23 ± 2.14mm.The mean AP-2 diameter of the right glenoid was 18.83±2.19 mm and that of the left was 17.97±2.08. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the difference in size of the glenoid cavity in Gujarati population may have to be taken into consideration while deciding the size of the glenoid component in shoulder arthroplasty in this population