Morphometric Study of Scapular Index in South Indian Population: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Scapula is a flat, triangular bone forming very important shoulder joint and with the evolution it has undergone modifications especially in its shape. It can be best studied with the help of Scapular Index (SI)-which denotes the relationship of breadth of the scapula to the length of the scapular bone. Aim: To determine the morphometric dimensions and SI in South Indian population and to compare it with various ethnic groups and laterality. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective observational study utilised a total of 98 scapulae of both right and left sides from South Indian population available over a period of one year in the Department of Anatomy of tertiary care centre. The relationship of Scapular Length (SL) with its breadth was expressed as the SI. The obtained values are analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 21.0. Mean, ratio, percentage and standard deviations were applied and results were analysed. Results: The breadth of the scapula ranged from 83-112 mm and the mean value was 96.71±6.98 mm. The length of scapula ranges from 104.5-165 mm and the mean value was 136±13.52 mm. The SI was ranging from 55.62-87.08 and the mean value was 71.46±5.64. The Infraspinous Index (IB), ranged from 68.42- 121.33 and the mean value was 94.14±10.98. Conclusion: The morphometric data of the present study can be not only in comparative anatomy between the different races, but also between the subpopulations of our country also. The data of the present study can be useful for manufacturing various prosthetic products, for procedures such as prosthetic positioning of scapula and also in various surgical maneuvers such as screw fixations, replacements of the shoulder joint in our subset of population for various medical fields such as Orthopaedics.