title: Determining Angle of Humeral Torsion Using Image Software Technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Several researches have been done on the measurement of angles of humeral torsion in different parts of the world. Previously described methods were more complicated, not much accurate, cumbersome or required sophisticated instruments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the angles of humeral torsion with a newer simple technique using digital images and image tool software.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 250 dry normal adult human humeri were obtained from the bone bank of Department of Anatomy. The length and mid-shaft circumference of each bone was measured with the help of measuring tape. The angle of humeral torsion was measured directly from the digital images by the image analysis using Image Tool 3.0 software program. The data was analysed statistically with SPSS version 17 using unpaired t-test and Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean angle of torsion was 64.57°±7.56°. On the right side it was 66.84°±9.69°, whereas, on the left side it was found to be 63.31±9.50°. The mean humeral length was 31.6 cm on right side and 30.33 cm on left side. Mid shaft circumference was 5.79 on right side and 5.63 cm on left side. No statistical differences were seen in angles between right and left humeri (p>0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From our study, it was concluded that circumference of shaft is inversely proportional to angle of humeral torsion. The length and side of humerus has no relation with the humeral torsion. With advancement of digital technology, it is better to use new image softwares for anatomical studies.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences , Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India .
authors.forename: Sachin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Dr Baba Sahib Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital , Delhi, India .
authors.forename: Madhu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sethi
authors.affiliation: Head and Director Professor, Department of Anatomy, Maulana Azad Medical College , New Delhi, India .
authors.forename: Neelam
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vasudeva
keywords: Digital image; Image tool; Prosthesis; Recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder