Magnetic resonance imaging study of glenohumeral relationships between genders

During glenohumeral arthroplasty, not only should the dimensions of the prosthesis match the normal anatomy but also the relationship of the humeral head-greater tuberosity and humeral head inclination should be replicated to avoid muscular dysfunction. To date there is no evidence whether fit could be optimized with gender-specific prostheses.

Magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography imaging was used to evaluate 81 proximal humeral scans for 5 different anatomic parameters. The study group included 41 men and 40 women, aged 20 to 62 years. Anatomic parameters, including the humeral head height, humeral head width, humeral head-greater tuberosity distance, humeral head inclination, and glenoid version were measured using Horizon Rad Station 11.0 to evaluate the MR imaging.

The humeral head height, width, and distance to the greater tuberosity were significantly different in size between genders. However, none of the anatomic relationships were different. The humeral head-greater tuberosity distance significantly correlated with the humeral head inclination in both men (r = 0.338; P < .05) and women (r = 0.448; P < .005).

We conclude that there are no significant differences in glenohumeral relationships between genders.