Retrospective MRI analysis of 418 adult shoulder joints to assess the physiological morphology of the glenoid in a low-grade osteoarthritic population.

Abstract

Background: Due to the difference in size between the humeral head and the glenoid, the shoulder joint is prone to instability. Therefore, the reconstruction of the physiological joint morphology is of great importance in shoulder joint preservation and replacement surgery. The aim of this study was to describe physiological reference parameters for the morphology of the glenoid for the first time.

Material and methods: MRI images of the shoulder joints of 418 patients (mean age: 50.6 years [± 16.3]) were retrospectively analysed in a low-grade osteoarthritic population. The glenoid distance in coronal (GDc) and axial view (GDa), glenoid inclination (GI) and version (GV) as well as scapula neck length (SNL) were measured. Parameters were studied in association for age, gender, side and degeneration grade.

Results: Mean GDc was 33.4 mm (± 3.6), mean GDa 26.8 mm (± 3.2), mean GI 10.5° (± 6.4), mean GV -0.4 mm (± 5.4) and mean SNL was 33.4 mm (± 4.7). GDa was significant higher in right shoulders (p < 0.001). GDc and GDa showed significant higher mean values in older patients (p < 0.001) and in shoulders with more severe degenerative changes (p < 0.05). While GDc, GDa and SNL were significant larger in male patients (p < 0.001), GI had a higher mean value in female shoulders (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: Age, gender and shoulder joint degeneration influence changes in the morphological parameters of the glenoid. These findings have to be considered in shoulder diagnostics and surgery.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.