3D scapular orientation on healthy and pathologic subjects using stereoradiographs during arm elevation

BackgroundAlterations of the scapular kinematics in different pathologic conditions have been widely studied. However, results have shown considerable discrepancies concerning the direction and the amplitude of scapular movement. The lack of consistency in the literature probably has several explanations. The purpose of this study was to analyze scapular orientation with the arm at rest and with 90° lateral elevation in healthy and pathologic subjects by use of stereoradiographs.Materials and methodsAll participants (n = 65) underwent a clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder to assess rotator cuff status. Participants were separated into 3 groups: healthy, rotator cuff tear (RCT), and RCT and subacromial impingement syndrome (RCT+ SIS). A 3-dimensional model of the scapula was fitted to each low-dose stereoradiograph acquired with the arm at rest and 90° arm elevation.ResultsOrientation of the scapula with the arm at rest was not significantly different between groups. During lateral elevation, scapular orientation was not significantly different between the healthy group and the RCT group. However, upward rotation was significantly reduced in the RCT + SIS group.ConclusionAlterations of scapular kinematics in symptomatic subjects are multifactorial. We observed a link between clinically assessed subacromial impingement and scapular orientation during lateral elevation of the arm.