[Roentgenographical examination on the tilted angle of the scapula in the resting position (author's transl)]

Roentgenographical examination was carried out in 56 normal subjects ranging from 12 to 80 years of age with the purpose of evaluating the degrees of the tilted angle of the scapula in three dimensions at the relaxed standing position. Bilateral roentgenograms of shoulder were taken in the standard antero-posterior position and at the 30 degrees of oblique projections. Five landmarks were selected on each roentgenogram and measured by X and Y coordinates. The degrees of tilted angles of the scapula in three dimension was determined by using the specific equations. Average angle of medial tilt of the scapula was 32.1 degrees (+/0 7.0 degrees) in the right and 31.9 degrees (+/- 8.0 degrees) in the left respectively. Average angle of the medial tilt of the scapula in both sexes was 29.9 degrees (+/- 7.7 degrees) in males and 34.0 degrees (+/- 6.5 degrees) in females. The average angle of medial tilt of the scapula tended to decrease in accordance with the aging process. Average angle of downward tilt of the scapula was 11.5 degrees (+/- 12.5 degrees) in the right and 12.3 degrees (+/- 11.1 degrees) in the left respectively. Average angle of the downward tilt of the scapula in both sexes was 12.9 degrees (+/- 12.7 degrees) in males and 10.8 degrees (+/- 10.7 degrees) in females. The average angle of downward tilt of the scapula statistically increased in accordance with age (r = 0.34). Average angle of upward rotation of the scapula was increased in accordance with the aging process. It was suggested that the restricted rotation of the scapula was one the major causes of the restricted abduction of the shoulder in the aged.