The fulcrum axis: A new method for determining glenoid version

Volker Braunstein, Markus Korner, Ulrich Brunner, Wolf Mutschler, Peter Biberthaler, Ernst Wiedemann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previously applied methods for the evaluation of glenoid version did not use body-surface landmarks; therefore, it is not possible to get information about glenoid version from the outside. The tip of the coracoid and the posterolateral corner of the acromion can easily be found on the body surface. These 2 landmarks were connected by a line called the fulcrum axis. After using an experimental x-ray technique in 143 human cadaver scapulae, 5 independent observers identified the fulcrum axis and the glenoid fossa twice. The resulting overall angle between the fulcrum axis and the glenoid fossa was 1.8° (SD 4.5). The fulcrum axis may be used for the preoperative planning and the intraoperative evaluation of glenoid version while performing total shoulder arthroplasties. As the fulcrum axis and the plane of the glenoid fossa are approximately parallel, the fulcrum axis can be used to position patients for performing a true antero-posterior x-ray.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)819-824
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Volume17
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2008
Externally publishedYes

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