This large anatomic study measured glenoid height, width, inclination, and version in 344 dry human scapulae stratified by race and sex. It was designed to establish normative values and determine whether version measurements from CT are equivalent to direct anatomic measurement. The study directly informs component positioning and version correction targets in total shoulder arthroplasty.
Planning a glenoid component means knowing what "normal" you are restoring. Before this study, normative version data came from small, racially undifferentiated samples with inconsistent measurement methods — leaving surgeons without reliable baseline targets.
When correcting asymmetric posterior glenoid wear, your version correction target should account for the patient's likely native version. A white patient's native baseline is approximately 2.66° retroversion; a black patient's is approximately 0.20°. Overcorrecting either toward the wrong "universal norm" risks residual malposition.
For preoperative planning, obtain a dedicated shoulder CT with slices oriented perpendicular to the glenohumeral joint. This study confirms that measurement method is statistically equivalent to direct anatomic referencing and is reproducible regardless of technician experience.
Male and female glenoids differ substantially in size (width ~4 mm, height ~5 mm). Use sex-appropriate component sizing. Race does not independently predict size.
This large anatomic study measured glenoid height, width, inclination, and version in 344 dry human scapulae stratified by race and sex. It was designed to establish normative values and determine whether version measurements from CT are equivalent to direct anatomic measurement. The study directly informs component positioning and version correction targets in total shoulder arthroplasty.
Planning a glenoid component means knowing what "normal" you are restoring. Before this study, normative version data came from small, racially undifferentiated samples with inconsistent measurement methods — leaving surgeons without reliable baseline targets.
When correcting asymmetric posterior glenoid wear, your version correction target should account for the patient's likely native version. A white patient's native baseline is approximately 2.66° retroversion; a black patient's is approximately 0.20°. Overcorrecting either toward the wrong "universal norm" risks residual malposition.
For preoperative planning, obtain a dedicated shoulder CT with slices oriented perpendicular to the glenohumeral joint. This study confirms that measurement method is statistically equivalent to direct anatomic referencing and is reproducible regardless of technician experience.
Male and female glenoids differ substantially in size (width ~4 mm, height ~5 mm). Use sex-appropriate component sizing. Race does not independently predict size.