The relationship between the glenoid track and the range of shoulder motion: A cadaver study.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of the glenoid track has been proposed to evaluate the risk of dislocation. The glenoid track width was demonstrated to be 84% of the glenoid width in cadaveric shoulders and 83% in live shoulders.

HYPOTHESIS: The glenoid track width seems to be affected by the range of motion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the glenoid track and the range of shoulder motion.

METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used. The specimen was fixed to a shoulder-positioning device. The anterior rim of the glenoid was marked on the humeral head using a Kirschner wire with the arm in 60° of abduction. This marking was repeated with the arm in (1) horizontal flexion/extension and (2) internal/external rotations (0° to max). The distances from the Kirschner wire markings to the footprint of the rotator cuff tendon were measured.

RESULTS: The greater the angle of the horizontal extension or external rotation, the smaller the glenoid track width, whereas the greater the angle of the horizontal flexion or internal rotation, the greater the glenoid track width. There was a negative relationship between them. The horizontal flexion/extension motion was demonstrated to affect the glenoid track width more than the internal/external rotation motion.

CONCLUSION: The glenoid track width decreased with the increase of horizontal extension. We should consider the range of horizontal extension angle when applying the glenoid track concept in clinical practice.

TYPE OF STUDY: Laboratory study.