Pre- and postoperative function after scapula malunion reconstruction: a novel kinematic technique

This report describes a novel kinematic analysis technique that was used to assess a floating shoulder malunion before and after corrective osteotomy. The patient underwent this analysis pre- and postoperatively using electromagnetic motion sensors and monitoring software. Pre- and postoperative motion curves were compared with normal subject data to determine if shoulder girdle movement was more or less similar to subjects without any shoulder pathology. Additionally, strength, range of motion, and patient-based questionnaires, including DASH and SF-36, were obtained. The preoperative DASH score was 30 and decreased to 3 in 18 months after surgery. Kinematic analysis demonstrated improved postoperative resting position of the scapula and motion patterns more consistent with healthy subject data.