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Correlation between the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus: a CT scan anatomical study

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose was to study the anatomy of the humeral head, more specifically the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus, using CT scan, and to make correlations between those two entities of the proximal humerus.

Methods

Sixty dry adult humeri from an osteological collection underwent CT scan from the proximal to the distal extremity. The measurements obtained by CT-reformation were recorded by two independent radiologists. We determined the humeral head axis, the transepicondylar axis, the retroversion of the humeral head, and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus (ITS). Statistical analysis using SPSS determined the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results

The CT scan measurements were similar to those in the literature, and thus allowed us to validate CT scan assessment. Statistical analysis showed a significant reverse correlation [the coefficient of correlation was −0.37 (p = 0.004)] between the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus: the more the retroversion of the humeral head increases, the more the angle of the orientation of the ITS decreases.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this reverse correlation between the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus has never been described. This new anatomical data might be helpful for orthopedic surgery.

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Conflict of interest

There was no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, APHM, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, 13009, Marseille, France

    Daphne Guenoun, Thomas Le Corroller & Pierre Champsaur

  2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, APHM, Hôpital de La Timone, Marseille, France

    Aude Lagier

  3. Department of Public Health, EA3279 Self-perceived Health Assessment Research Unit, APHM, Marseille, France

    Vanessa Pauly

Authors
  1. Daphne Guenoun
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  2. Thomas Le Corroller
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  3. Aude Lagier
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  4. Vanessa Pauly
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  5. Pierre Champsaur
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Correspondence to Daphne Guenoun.

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Guenoun, D., Le Corroller, T., Lagier, A. et al. Correlation between the retroversion of the humeral head and the orientation of the intertubercular sulcus: a CT scan anatomical study. Surg Radiol Anat 37, 357–361 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1354-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1354-y

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