Influence of neck shaft angle of humerus in prosthesis design

J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2022 Oct 21:35:102045. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2022.102045. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Background: A better understanding of the proximal humerus is essential for anatomical reconstruction of the glenohumeral joint during prosthetic replacement. The neck-shaft angle is critical for correct calcar screw positioning when fixing a proximal humeral fracture with a locking plate. It's essential for exact implant placement and treatment of any soft-tissue or bone pathology. Improper implants cause discomfort and post-operative complications, therefore understanding the humeral neck shaft angle is fundamental in the design and manufacturing of prostheses. This study looked into the necessity regional data of the humeral neck shaft angle (NSA) and its importance in shoulder prosthesis manufacturing.

Method: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 300 dry cadaveric humeri of unknown gender and age that were free of damage or deformity. The Goniometer was used to measure the neck shaft angle. The data was analysed using SPSS software. The standard deviation and mean were calculated. The statistical difference between the right and left humeri was assessed using the students' t' test.

Observations: The NSA of the humerus was 131.265.82° on average. The NSA mean values were substantially higher on the right side. A statistically significant difference between the right and left humeri was revealed by a P value of 0.001.

Conclusion: Success of the shoulder arthroplasty demands anatomical reconstruction of the normal neck-shaft angle of the humerus. Racial variations in the morphometry of the neck-shaft angle needs to be considered in prosthesis design.

Keywords: Arthroplasty; Humerus; Neck-Shaft angle; Prosthesis design; Shoulder joint.