Quantitative anatomy of the scapula

Abstract

Thirty adult bony scapulae were used to report detailed bony dimensions of the scapula. The measurements of bony dimensions of the scapula included the glenoid, coracoid, spine, and body. The results of the measurements showed that the thickest bony stock (posteroanterior diameter), with a mean value of 13 mm to 23 mm in the glenoid process, was found in the middle third of the area within 1 cm medial to the glenoid rim. In the scapular spine region, the greatest superoinferior diameter of the bone was noted in the lateral portion of the spine, followed by the medial portion. It was also found that smallest superoinferior diameter (2 mm to 7 mm) of the spine was located at the middle portion between the base and ridge along the whole spine. On the lateral border of the scapula, the posteroanterior diameter of bone was relatively greater for the upper portion (8 mm) than for the lower portion, including the inferior angle (6 mm). This information may be helpful in open reduction and internal fixation of significantly displaced scapular fractures.