title: Changes in the loadings on the shoulder girdle in the case of scapulothoracic fusion.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) may be an alternative and salvage procedure in the treatment of scapular winging. The biomechanical effects of this procedure on the shoulder girdle have not been previously considered. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the relationship between STF and the stress distribution pattern of the shoulder girdle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three-dimensional solid modeling of the shoulder girdle was carried out using virtual finite element modeling. STF was applied to the reference model obtained in a computer environment. Dynamic and nonlinear analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stress distributions in joints and ligaments were calculated. With respect to loading on the joints, maximum equivalent stresses increased on acromioclavicular (AC) and GH joints in the case of STF during abduction and flexion respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results revealed that STF is a non-physiological, static procedure leading to load increase on GH and AC joint cartilages, which may be a cause of potential joint osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors.affiliation: Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Halil
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Atmaca
authors.affiliation: Amasya University, Technical Sciences Vocational School, Department of Automative Technology, Amasya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Levent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Uğur
authors.affiliation: Duzce University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duzce, Turkey.
authors.forename: Arif
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Özkan
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Milan, Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini, Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grassi Mantelli
authors.affiliation: Düzce University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Düzce, Turkey.
authors.forename: Fehmi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Erzincanli
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012540:Scapula / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: acromioclavicular joint; finite element model; scapula; scapulothoracic fusion; shoulder