Morphological evaluation of the scapula by three-dimensional computed tomography to elucidate shoulder joint function.

INTRODUCTION

There are many variations of scapula morphology. Evaluation of scapula morphology is necessary to elucidate shoulder joint movement. We aimed to analyze the bone morphology of various parts constituting the scapula to identify certain conserved features among them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one healthy individuals were the subjects. We created a scapular three-dimensional (3D) model using computed tomography (CT). X and Y axes were set on a glenoid surface. We measured the approximate plane of the upper and lower scapular bodies and scapular spine and the central axis of the coracoid and acromion. The anatomical position of the scapular spine, upper and lower bodies, coracoid, and acromion was measured. The positional relationship between the upper and lower bodies and scapular spine and the coracoid and acromion was evaluated. The average angle of the upper and lower scapular bodies and the scapular spine with respect to the XZ plane was calculated. The average angle of the coracoid and acromion with the X-axis on the XY plane and Z-axis on the YZ plane was calculated.

RESULTS

On the XY plane, approximate planes of the upper and lower part of the body and the scapular spine were significantly correlated to each inclination. On the XY plane, inclinations of the central axes of the coracoid and acromion were significantly correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed for the first time the correlation between the inclinations of the scapular body and scapular spine and the inclination angle between the coracoid and acromion.