Can the glenopolar angle be used to predict outcome and treatment of the floating shoulder?
OBJECTIVE
Displaced ipsilateral fractures of the clavicle and the glenoid neck are usually the result of high-energy trauma. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of the glenopolar angle (GPA) with the clinical outcome of the floating shoulders.


METHODS
Seven patients treated conservatively and nine patients with clavicular fracture treated operatively were evaluated retrospectively. The GPA of the affected (a-GPA) and unaffected (u-GPA) shoulders, and the change (d-GPA) were measured. The Constant-Murley score of the affected (a-CS) and unaffected (u-CS) shoulders, and the change (d-CS) were measured at the last follow-up.


RESULTS
The mean follow-up was 25 months, and the score was 69.7 points. Patient age had no effect on the clinical outcome, and the change in GPA in the affected shoulder between the initial and last follow-up for the nonoperated and operated groups did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). There were positive correlations between a-CS and a-GPA (r = 0.760, p < 0.05) and between d-GPA and d-CS (r = 0.643, p < 0.05) and negative correlations between a-GPA and d-CS (r = -0.962, p < 0.05) and between d-GPA and a-CS (r = -0.703, p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The simple measurement of GPA may yield useful prognostic information and help in making decisions concerning the floating shoulder.
Kim
Kyung-Cheon
KC
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea. kckim@cnuh.co.kr
Rhee
Kwang-Jin
KJ
Shin
Hyun-Dae
HD
Yang
Jun-Young
JY
D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012540:Scapula / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome