Comparative study of glenoid version and inclination using two-dimensional images from computed tomography and...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate measurement of glenoid version and inclination is crucial for shoulder arthroplasty and diagnosing shoulder instability.
• Traditional two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) imaging may have limitations in precisely assessing these parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy and reliability of glenoid version and inclination measurements using 2D CT images versus 3D reconstructed bone models.
• To evaluate the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of both measurement techniques.

Main Methods:

• Thirty patients underwent conventional CT scans.
• Glenoid version and inclination were measured three times each by two independent orthopedic surgeons using 2D CT images.
• The same measurements were performed by two other surgeons using 3D reconstructed bone models generated with Mimics and 3-Matics software.

Main Results:

• Mean glenoid version was -1.705º (2D) vs. 2.635º (3D), and mean inclination was 9.08º (2D) vs. 7.23º (3D).
• Intra-observer reliability was higher for 3D measurements (0.883-0.892) compared to 2D (0.605-0.698).
• Inter-observer reliability was significantly better with 3D measurements (0.845-0.853) than 2D (0.374-0.456).

Conclusions:

• The discrepancies between 2D and 3D measurements stem from the tools used, not the image data itself.
• Three-dimensional (3D) measurements demonstrate superior intra-observer and inter-observer reliability.
• 3D measurement using reconstructed bone models is a reliable and recommended alternative for assessing glenoid version and inclination.