Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Glenoid inclination is associated with full-thickness rotator cuff tears
Richard E Hughes1, Cari R Bryant, Janette M Hall
1Orthopaedic Research Laboratories and University of Michigan Shoulder Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. rehughes@umich.edu
Superior glenoid inclination is linked to rotator cuff tears. This study found greater glenoid inclination angles in shoulders with full-thickness rotator cuff tears compared to healthy shoulders.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Anatomic factors like hooked acromion are linked to rotator cuff disorders.
- Glenoid orientation is implicated in shoulder instability but not rotator cuff disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that superior glenoid inclination is associated with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
Main Methods:
- Glenoid inclination angles were measured from cadaver shoulder radiographs (n=16).
- Contralateral shoulders with intact rotator cuffs served as controls.
- Radiographic measurements were compared using nonparametric statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Shoulders with full-thickness rotator cuff tears exhibited a greater mean glenoid inclination angle (98.6°) compared to intact shoulders (91.0°).
- A reliable method for measuring glenoid inclination on clinical Grashey view radiographs was developed.
- High intrarater (0.93) and interrater (≥0.88) reliability was achieved for measurements from clinical radiographs.
Conclusions:
- Superior glenoid inclination is associated with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
- Radiographic measurement of glenoid inclination is reliable and can be used in clinical settings.
More Related Videos
07:10Modified Long Head of Biceps Tendon Rerouting and Fixation as Partial Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: March 6, 2026
07:22Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Inclination of a Line