INTRODUCTION: The superior surface of the anatomical neck is presented in the classification of scapular fractures as a 2-cm-long structure, which does not correspond to reality. This issue has not yet been adequately addressed in the literature. The aim of the study was to assess the variability of a notch between the upper rim of the glenoid and the coracoid base, the so-called coracoglenoid notch (CGN), and its clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the examination of 204 dry bone specimens of adult scapulae (92 male and 112 female). We have determined quantitative criteria for the evaluation of the CGN type, measuring the offset of anatomical neck using a digital caliper. The findings were compared with 3D CT reconstructions of fractures of the scapular anatomical neck. RESULTS: Three basic types of CGN have been identified: type A-a well-developed notch in 31%, type B-a shallow notch in 53% and type C-an absent notch in 16%. No significant difference in CGN was found between the sexes, or between the right and left sides. When compared with our six cases of the anatomical neck fracture of the scapula, two patients displayed CGN type A and type B, respectively; but in four patients, it was impossible to distinguish between types A and B. CONCLUSION: The study has documented a high variability of CGN. Its presentation in the classification schemes does not correspond to anatomical reality. The presence of a deep, or shallow, notch may constitute an anatomical predisposition to a fracture of the anatomical neck.

• Keywords
• Anatomy of the scapula, Coracoglenoid notch, Fractures of anatomical neck of scapula, Scapular fractures,
• MeSH
• Anatomic Variation MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Fractures, Bone diagnostic imaging   etiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Scapula anatomy & histology   diagnostic imaging   injuries   MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to present the pathoanatomy and a new classification of glenoid fractures developed on the basis of analysis of 3D computed tomography (CT) examinations and intra-operative findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 90 patients (69 men and 21 women) who sustained glenoid fractures. Mean patient age was 47 years (17-92). In 77 nonpolytraumatised patients, anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of the affected shoulder girdle were taken, including Neer I and II views. All 90 patients underwent CT examination, combined in 73 of them with 3D CT reconstruction including subtraction of the humeral head, ribs and clavicle, from the anterior and posterolateral views. In total, 52 patients (58 %) were operated on and 38 42 %) were treated non-operatively. RESULTS: In total, five basic types of injuries to the glenoid were identified based on analysis of the separated portion of the glenoid fossa: including fractures of the superior glenoid (14 cases, 16 %), the anterior glenoid (23 cases, 23 %), the posterior rim of the glenoid (5 cases, 6 %), the inferior glenoid (38 cases, 42 %) and the entire glenoid (10 cases, 11 %). CONCLUSION: The proposed classification of glenoid fractures defines five basic types of fractures verified by 3D CT reconstructions and intra-operative findings. It respects the anatomical architecture of scapula, fracture mechanism, associated injuries to the shoulder girdle and, where appropriate, the preferred surgical approach.

• Keywords
• CT *, Classification *, Fractures *, Glenoid fossa *, Scapular *,
• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Fractures, Bone classification   diagnostic imaging   pathology   surgery   MeSH
• Physical Examination MeSH
• Glenoid Cavity injuries   surgery   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Intraoperative Period MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed MeSH
• Shoulder Injuries MeSH
• Shoulder Joint diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH