Morphometric analysis of the coracoid process and glenoid width: a 3D-CT study

Background Data regarding the parameters of the coracoid process and glenoid width are insufficient, and information on gender, age, and ethnic differences in the parameters appear lacking in the Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the morphometric parameters in the coracoid process and glenoid width. Methods Using our institution’s electronic database, we selected 84 patients (55 males and 29 females) who underwent a shoulder computed tomography (CT) scan from January 2017 to May 2018 in this study. Mimics19.0 software was used for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of CT and to measure the morphometric parameters of the coracoid process and glenoid width. Subgroup analyses stratified by gender and age were conducted and the parameters were compared with previously published reports. All data were statistically analysed by SPSS23.0 Statistical Package. Results A positive and significant relationship between the coracoid process and the glenoid width ( R > 0.758, P < 0.01) was found. The midpoint width represents 52% (41–62%) of the glenoid width; the midpoint height, 40% (31–53%) of the glenoid width. Significant differences in all parameters between males and females were noted ( P < 0.05). No significant differences among the age groups were observed ( P > 0.05), whereas significant differences in almost all parameters between the ethnic groups were observed ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Our results could supplement the information in the shoulder joint database with morphometric parameters and provide a reference for theoretical research on coracoid osteotomy, which may in turn help surgeons in the evaluation of coracoid process transfer.