Calculating glenoid bone loss based on glenoid height using ipsilateral three-dimensional computed tomography

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between glenoid width and other morphologic parameters using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images of native shoulders, and to create a new measurement tool to assess glenoid defects in a Canadian population with established anterior shoulder instability.

Methods: Forty-three glenoid CT scans were analyzed for patients who underwent contralateral shoulder glenoid reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability between 2012 and 2020. Demographic data were obtained including age, gender and BMI. The subjects were excluded if they had a prior history of ipsilateral shoulder instability, shoulder fractures, or bone tumors. The following glenoid parameters were measured: width (W), height (H), anteroposterior (AP) depth, superior-inferior (SI) depth and version. The shape of the glenoid was also classified into pear, inverted comma or oval.

Results: There were 35 male and 8 females with a mean age of 34.5 ± 12.9 years. The glenoid width was strongly correlated with the height (R² = 0.9) and a regression model equation was obtained: W (mm) = 2.5 + 0.7*H (mm). There was also strong correlation with gender (P < 0.001), glenoid shape (P = 0.030), AP and SI depths (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively). Male gender was associated with higher measurement values for all parameters. The most common glenoid shapes were the pear (46.5%) and oval morphotypes (39.6%) for the whole study group.

Conclusion: The native glenoid width can be estimated based on glenoid height using ipsilateral 3D CT. This may help with preoperative planning and surgical decision-making for patients with anterior shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss.

Level of evidence: III.

Keywords: 3D CT reconstruction; Glenoid bone loss; Glenoid height; Glenoid width; Shoulder instability.