A Reliable Radiographic Measurement Technique for Extra-articular Scapular Fractures

Abstract

Level IV, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The scapular glenopolar angle: standard values and side differences

“…We cannot compare the values obtained by means of anatomical specimens with literary data as we found no anatomical studies in the literature addressing this issue [3,7,15,16].…”

“…They were followed by other authors, who used different methods of GPA measurement, i.e., the AP radiograph of the shoulder, Neer I view or AP radiograph of the chest [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Currently, the GPA serves as one of the indication criteria for operative treatment of fractures of the scapular body and scapular neck [9].…”

A comparison of actual and theoretical treatments of glenoid fractures

“…The limitations of this study are that it may only represent the practice of two centres in one city, that the numbers are relatively small because the injury is uncommon, and the retrospective analysis with a subset of patients having no CT scan. Radiographic measurements are less reliable than measurements on CTs [15]. Last, the decision making in scapular surgery is a shared decision between the surgeon and the patient.…”

Glenoid and other scapula fractures

“…Many of the measurements used in determining surgical indications rely on adequate views, and the 3D CT can be rotated to any angle that allows for more accurate evaluation (Anavian et al, 2011;Figure 8.4). For adequate scapula evaluation, a trauma radiograph series, including a true AP (Grashey), scapular "Y," and axillary views, should be obtained.…”

“…GPA is the angle made by a line from the inferior angle to the superior rim of the glenoid and the line from the superior rim to the inferior rim ( Figure 8.5). Extraarticular angulation can also be measured on the scapular "Y" view (Anavian et al, 2011;. LBO is the amount of medial displacement of the proximal fragment, which usually includes the glenoid, from the lateral border (Figure 8.6).…”