Laser morphometric analysis of the glenoid fossa of the scapula

We have assessed the topography of the articular surface of the glenoid fos sa using a laser morphometric technique. Eighteen cadaveric scapulae from i ndividuals aged 66 to 90 years were scanned and the degree of version of fi ve lines constructed in the horizontal plane was determined. The lines comp rised a transverse reference line (equatorial midline) located midway betwe en the superior and inferior tubercles of the fossa, lines at 45% of the he ight of the glenoid fossa above and below the equatorial line, and further lines midway between these pairs. The cartilage-covered glenoid articular s urface displayed differences in version between its superior and inferior a spects; the mean difference in version between the superior and inferior li nes was 11.2 degrees, with the most superior line being retroverted 8.2 deg rees with respect to the equatorial midline and the most inferior line ante verted 3.2 degrees. These data may be of importance in understanding the ki nematics of the glenohumeral joint and in translating this knowledge to joi nt replacement surgery. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.