Anthropometric measurements were taken on 266 scapulas from the ''G. M
arro'' Egyptian skeletal collection at the Department of Anthropology
of the University of Turin in Italy to study the orthopaedic pathologi
c condition of the shoulder joints. Data were taken on the size and sh
ape of the acromial arch in relation to the inclination and anatomic v
ariants of the acromion. The rarity of the ''hooked'' form was confirm
ed, and two variants of the acromial vault (i.e., one predominantly os
seous and the other predominantly fibrous) were recognized. The spatia
l location and biomechanical importance of the coracoid process were c
onsidered. Orientation of the glenoid fossa furnishes an osseous base
for the stability of the scapulohumeral joint both anteroposteriorly a
nd vertically. Observations on current practices of surgical intervent
ion on the shoulder as reported in the literature and some anatomic sk
eletal basis of surgical access are discussed.