Scapular Spine Dimensions and Suitability as a Glenoid Bone Graft Donor Site

Abstract

Background: Current structural bone graft options used for glenoid augmentation in glenohumeral instability have known drawbacks. The scapular spine may be a possible alternative graft choice, but its dimensions and anatomy are not fully reported. Hypothesis: The scapular spine’s harvestable graft dimensions will be similar to harvestable dimensions of the coracoid and iliac crest. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The scapular spine, coracoid, and iliac crest dimensions were recorded and compared bilaterally in 50 patients with 3-dimensional computed tomography imaging. The portion of the scapular spine with the largest harvestable dimensions was quantified and its location defined. Measurements were independently taken by 2 investigators and averaged for the final result. Results: The scapular spine has 81.5 mm of harvestable length and a “flare” located approximately 49.6 mm lateral to the medial scapular border, where the widest harvestable cross section is located (mean harvestable dimensions: 10.9-mm height, 11.5-mm width). Mean coracoid dimensions were 24-mm length, 14.2-mm height, and 10.6-mm width. Mean iliac crest width was 14.7 mm. In sum, 96% of scapular spines, 85% of coracoids, and 100% of iliac crests exceeded minimum dimensions of 8 mm × 8 mm × 20 mm. The coronal radius of curvature of the glenoid was significantly different from the corresponding plane of all measured structures. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: The scapular spine has dimensions similar to the coracoid and iliac crest in the majority of patients and is therefore appropriate for further investigation as a potential graft choice in glenohumeral instability. A harvest location 49.6 mm lateral to the medial scapular border will provide the largest cross-sectional graft while avoiding the acromial base.

Morphometric study of suprascapular notch and scapular dimensions in Ugandan dry scapulae with specific reference to the incidence of completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament

“…In general, the correlation analyses of our study have shown that the scapular dimensions (scapular length and width; glenoid length and width) might be of value in the diagnosis, assessment, and prevention of SN entrapment syndrome associated with scapulae of type III, IV and VI SSN emphasizing the clinical signi cance of scapular dimensions in helping clinicians, radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons perform better with minimal complications in agreement with previous ndings [1][2][3].…”

“…The knowledge of the anatomy and variations of SSN is important for clinicians and surgeons that carry out diagnoses, assessment, management, surgical interventions at the shoulder region. This knowledge is vital in the diagnosis, management, assessment, and prevention of suprascapular nerve entrapment disorder around the shoulder joint [1][2][3]. The suprascapular notch (SSN) forms a depression on the lateral aspect of the superior border of the scapula, medial to the coracoid process [4], is bridged by the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL), which may sometimes be completely ossi ed with a resultant conversion of the notch into a foramen [4].…”

Correlations of Scapular Dimensions: A Tool to Identify Scapulae with Completely Ossified Superior Transverse Scapular Ligaments and Suprascapular Neuropathy

“…In general, the correlation analyses of our study have shown that the scapular dimensions (scapular length and width; glenoid length and width) might be of value in the diagnosis, assessment, and prevention of SN entrapment syndrome associated with scapulae of type III, IV and VI SSN emphasizing the clinical signi cance of scapula, glenoid and other related scapular dimensions in helping clinicians, radiologists, and orthopaedic surgeons. perform better with minimal complications [1][2][3]. However, the equation that can be used to predict the relationship of different scapular dimensions and the SSN types could not be determined.…”

“…of suprascapular notch variations are important in the management and prevention of the SSN entrapment syndrome, and bony and brachial plexus injuries, furthermore, this knowledge is important for clinicians and surgeons that carry out diagnoses, assessment, management and surgical interventions at the shoulder region and in the prevention of this disorder. [1][2][3]. The suprascapular notch (SSN) forms a depression on the lateral aspect of the superior border of the scapula and located medial to the coracoid process [4], is bridged by the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL), which may sometime be ossi ed with a resultant conversion of the notch into a foramen [4].…”

Morphometric study of suprascapular notch and scapular dimensions in Ugandan dry scapulae with specific reference to the incidence of completely ossified superior transverse scapular ligament

“…The knowledge of the anatomy and variations of SSN is important for clinicians and surgeons that carry out diagnoses, assessment, management, surgical interventions at the shoulder region. This knowledge is vital in the diagnosis, management, assessment, and prevention of suprascapular nerve entrapment disorder around the shoulder joint [ 1 – 3 ]. The suprascapular notch (SSN) forms a depression on the lateral aspect of the superior border of the scapula, medial to the coracoid process [ 4 ], is bridged by the superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL), which may sometimes be completely ossified with a resultant conversion of the notch into a foramen [ 4 ].…”