MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF GLENOID FOSSA OF SCAPULA

The study was conducted on sixty scapulae obtained from the department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Jammu. The shape of the glenoid cavity was observed in all the scapulae. It was inverted comma shaped, tear drop shaped, oval and round shaped. The shape on the two sides was compared. Morphometry of the glenoid cavity was done and compared on right and left side. The dimensions of the glenoid fossa provide important information for designing and fitting of glenoid component for shoulder arthroplasty. An understanding of variations of glenoid cavity is essential for evaluating pathological conditions like osseous Bankart lesions and osteochondral defects. INTRODUCTION: Shoulder arthroplasty is a common mode of treatment to treat shoulder pathologies like shoulder arthritis. Knowledge about the shape and morphological parameters is essential for success of shoulder arthroplasty as otherwise there would be loosening of the joint necessisitating the need for revision surgery. The articular surfaces for shoulder joint are the glenoid cavity (or fossa) of scapula and head of humerus. The glenoid fossa is a shallow ovoid depression on the lateral angle of the scapula. It is also called as the glenoid cavity or the head of the scapula. There is variation in the shape of the glenoid fossa. The glenoid rim presents a small notch on its anterior and upper part.((1)) The glenoid notch prevents the attachment of fibrocartilaginous glenoidal labrum to the glenoidal rim, which can be detached leading to Bankart, s lesion.((2)) A knowledge of the shape and morphometry of glenoid fossa is essential for treating glenohumeral osteoarthritis.(3) Morphometric analysis of glenoid fossa is also essential when total shoulder prosthesis has to be used. It is also essential for evaluating Bankart lesion, osteochondral defects, shoulder instability etc. Thorough scanning of available literature revealed that there is dearth of literature regarding morphometry of glenoid fossa. Therefore a curious desire developed to conduct this study. Our study would provide morphometric data, providing an anatomical baseline, which will be of immense help to anthropologists, osteologists, anatomists, and orthopedicians.