Determination of predisposing scapular anatomy with a statistical shape model-Part II: shoulder osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis can be divided into different glenoid types (A, B, C, and D) and subtypes. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is an association between the prearthropathy scapular anatomy, shoulder osteoarthritis, and different glenoid types and subtypes.

Using principal components analysis, a statistical shape model (SSM) of the scapula was constructed from a data set of 110 computed tomographic (CT) scans. These subjects formed the control group. Next, CT scan images of 117 patients with osteoarthritis were classified according to the modified Walch classification. A complete 3-dimensional (3D) scapular bone model was created for every patient, and using the SSM, a reconstruction of their prearthropathy scapular anatomy was performed. Automated 3D measurements were performed in both the patient and control group to obtain glenoid version and inclination, critical shoulder angle (CSA), posterior acromial slope (PAS), lateral acromion angle, scapular offset, and the rotational alignment of the coracoacromial complex. These parameters were compared between controls, patients with osteoarthritis, and glenoid types and subtypes.

Mean version and inclination for the control group was 6° retroversion and 8° superior inclination (both SD 4°). The mean CSA, PAS, coracoid-posterior acromion angle, posterior acromion-scapular plane angle, and fulcrum axis ratio were 30° (SD 4°), 64° (SD 8°), 116° (SD 9°), 55° (SD 7°), and 46% (SD 4%), respectively. Patients with osteoarthritis had a significant lower CSA, posterior acromion-scapular plane angle, coracoid-posterior acromion angle, and fulcrum axis ratio (27°, 50°, 111°, and 44%, all P < .001). We found a significant difference between the control group and the respective glenoid types for the following parameters: mean CSA and coracoid-posterior acromion angle for A glenoids (27°, P = .001, and 111°, P = .007); mean version, CSA, PAS, coracoid-posterior acromion angle, posterior acromion-scapular plane angle, and fulcrum axis ratio for B glenoids (11°, 27°, 71°, 111°, 49°, and 43%, all P < .001); and mean version, CSA, and posterior acromion-scapular plane angle for D glenoids (2°, P = .002, 26°, P = .003, and 48°, P = .007).

There seems to be an association between prearthropathy scapular anatomy and shoulder osteoarthritis. A small lateral extension and less posterior rotation of the acromion is associated with shoulder osteoarthritis and is present in almost all types and subtypes of glenoid morphology. Furthermore, B and D glenoids are associated with, respectively, a more and less pronounced prearthropathy glenoid retroversion.