INTRODUCTIONKnowledge of morphological variations of the suprascapular region is important in the management of entrapment neuropathy and interventional procedures. The objective of this study was to collect data on the morphological features and dimensions of ossified ligaments and unusual bony tunnels of scapulae from a North Indian population.

METHODSA total of 268 adult human scapulae of unknown gender were obtained from the bone bank of the Department of Anatomy, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. The scapulae were evaluated for the incidence of ossified superior transverse scapular ligaments (STSLs), ossified inferior transverse scapular ligaments (ITSLs) and bony tunnels (i.e. the bony canal between the suprascapular notch and spinoglenoid notch), found along the course of the suprascapular nerve (SSN). The dimensions of these structures were measured and noted down. Ossified STSLs were classified based on their shape (i.e. fan- or band-shaped) and the dimensions of the ossified suprascapular openings (SSOs) were measured.

RESULTSOssified STSLs were present in 26 (9.7%) scapulae. Among the 26 scapulae, 16 (61.5%) were fan-shaped (mean area of SSO 16.6 mm(2)) and 10 (38.5%) were band-shaped (mean area of SSO 34.2 mm(2)). Bony tunnels were observed in 2 (0.75%) specimens, while an ossified ITSL was observed in 1 (0.37%) specimen.

CONCLUSIONThe data obtained in the present study augments the reference literature for SSN decompression and the existing anatomical databases, especially those on Indian populations. This data is useful to clinicians, radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons.

Adult ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; anatomy & histology ; Nerve Compression Syndromes ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Scapula ; anatomy & histology

Ligaments are the main parts which stabilize the knee joint. How to analog the ligaments in biomechanical model will affect the characteristics of the human knee dynamics and in the computation of the stress in ligaments between two bones. This symposium is aimed at the survey of the simplified method of the ligaments via mechanical parameters, and providing an exact method of constructing model.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Ligaments, Articular ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Models, Anatomic ; Models, Biological

The motions of humeral external rotation with and without the anterior band of inferior glenohumeral ligament complex (AB-IGHL) were simulated. As a result of comparison, the contact pressure and contact force are all higher when the AB-IGHL was included in the model. Therefore, it is theoretically proved that the AB-IGHL constrains the motion of humerus during humeral external rotation. The predicted values for von Mises and the maximum tense force in the AB-IGHL were 4.433 MPa and 37.32 N respectively, occurring on the humeral side of the ligament. This approach to evaluating the function of AB-IGHL would provide greater insight into the mechanical contribution of AB-IGHL to joint function, identify the mechanism of a hurt to AB-IGHL, and provide a quantitative means for developing low-risk rehabilitation protocols.
Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; physiology ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rotation ; Shoulder Joint ; anatomy & histology ; physiology ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVETo investigate the in vivo and three-dimensional (3D) length changes of the glenohumeral ligaments during shoulder abduction using open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODSFrom 2007 to 2008 3D attachment points of the glenohumeral ligaments were obtained by anatomical study and computed tomographic scanning of 10 embalmed cadaveric shoulders, including the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL), middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL), the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (AIGHL), axillary pouch and the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (PIGHL). Then an in vivo study was conducted, in which 14 right shoulder joints of 14 healthy volunteers were evaluated in 7 isometric abduction positions (0 degrees , 30 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees , 120 degrees , 150 degrees and 180 degrees ) using a noninvasive 3D motion-analysis system. 3D models of the shoulders and located the attachment points of the ligaments were created. Ligament lengths were based on the shortest calculated paths between each origin and insertion in 3D space along the 3D bone surface for each abduction position.

RESULTSDuring shoulder abduction, the 3D distance of SGHL was found to elongated and attained maximal length at 30 degrees abduction (P = 0.2). MGHL and AIGHL attained maximal length at 60 degrees (P < 0.05) and 120 degrees (P < 0.05) abduction, respectively. Pouch and PIGHL reached the maximal length at 180 degrees abduction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe SGHL limits inferior translation of the humeral head at 30 degrees of abduction. MGHL maintains maximum anterior stability at 60 degrees of abduction. AIGHL prevents anterior dislocation of the humeral head at 120 degrees of abduction. In 180 degrees abduction, pouch provided anterior stability and PIGHL has the contribution to the inferior stability.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Ligaments, Articular ; anatomy & histology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Anatomic ; Shoulder Joint ; anatomy & histology

The purpose of this review was to demonstrate magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography findings of anatomy, variants, and pathologic conditions of the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL). This review also demonstrates the applicability of a new MR arthrography sequence in the anterosuperior portion of the glenohumeral joint. The SGHL is a very important anatomical structure in the rotator interval that is responsible for stabilizing the long head of the biceps tendon. Therefore, a torn SGHL can result in pain and instability. Observation of the SGHL is difficult when using conventional MR imaging, because the ligament may be poorly visualized. Shoulder MR arthrography is the most accurately established imaging technique for identifying pathologies of the SGHL and associated structures. The use of three dimensional (3D) volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences produces thinner image slices and enables a higher in-plane resolution than conventional MR arthrography sequences. Therefore, shoulder MR arthrography using 3D VIBE sequences may contribute to evaluating of the smaller intraarticular structures such as the SGHL.
Adult ; *Breath Holding ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional/*methods ; Ligaments, Articular/*anatomy & histology/pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome/*diagnosis ; *Shoulder Joint/injuries ; Tendon Injuries/diagnosis