Morphological study of glenoid cavity of scapula

Abstract

Scapula is a flat triangular bone lies on chest wall from second to sixth ribs. Its lateral angle is truncated and shows variable morphology in shape. The objectives of the present study were to obtain morphometric data of scapulae and the glenoid cavity specifically the diameters and various shape of glenoid.: The present study was conducted on 90 right scapulae and 90 left scapulae. Metrical and nonmetrical measurements were noted. Length of scapulae, breadth of scapulae, height of Glenoid cavity, antero-posterior diameter 1 and antero-posterior diameter 2 were observed. Shape of Glenoid cavity was noted.Length of scapula on right side was 135.40±13.2mm and on left side it was 136.5±12.9mm. Breadth of scapula on right side was 98.7 ±7.2mm on left side it was 98.2±6.8mm but the difference was not statistically significant. The height of Glenoid cavity on right side was 35.2±2.9mm and on left side it was 35.8±3.1. Antero-posterior diameter 1 of Glenoid cavity on right side was 24.2±2.3 mm and on left side it was 23.9±2.1 mm. Antero-posterior diameter 2 of Glenoid cavity on right side was16.8±2.5 mm and on left side it was 16.7±2.4mm. The most common shape of glenoid cavity was pear shaped followed by oval and least common was inverted comma shape.Knowledge of various measurements of Glenoid cavity is important for prosthesis of shoulder orthoplasty. It is useful in evaluation of various pathological conditions of shoulder joint. Since this study was conducted on limited number of scapulae further clinical, cadaveric and radiological studies are required.