title: Scapular position after the open Latarjet procedure: results of a computed tomography scan study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to investigate, through a computed tomography (CT) scan analysis, the effects of the Latarjet procedure on scapular position in an axial plane.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty healthy young male subjects (mean age, 22 years; range, 18-27 years) were enrolled as a control group. Twenty young male patients (mean age, 23 years; range, 17-30 years) with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were enrolled as the study group. CT cuts at a proper level allowed the identification of an α angle, which defined the tilt of the scapula relative to the anterior-posterior axis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the control population, the α angles on the right and left shoulders were 48° (44°-52°) and 48° (44°-54°), respectively. In the study group, the preoperative α angles at the affected and healthy shoulders were 49° (46°-52°) and 49° (44°-52°), respectively. At day 45, the corresponding angles were 45° (40°-50°) and 49° (46°-52°). At 6 months, the average α angle of the shoulder operated on was 52° (46°-58°). The α angle value was restored in 5 cases, increased in 9 cases (mean, 8°), and decreased in 6 cases (mean, 3°).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A general symmetry of scapular position was observed during CT scan analysis. This balance was lost initially after the Latarjet procedure, with a decrease of the α angle and scapular protraction. Six months after surgery, a small trend toward scapular retraction was conversely observed; however, the data were not statistically significant.
authors.affiliation: Centre Orthopédique Santy, Lyon, France. Electronic address: simo.red@tiscali.it.
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cerciello
authors.affiliation: Fondren Orthopaedic Group, Texas Orthopaedic Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: T Bradley
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.affiliation: Casa di Cura Villa Betania, Polo Ospedaliero Santo Spirito, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuliano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cerciello
authors.affiliation: Centre Orthopédique Santy, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012540:Scapula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: CT scan; Latarjet procedure; glenohumeral instability; scapular position