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Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Proximal Part of the Humerus: Relevance to Arthroplasty*
Douglas D. Robertson, M.D., Ph.D.†; Jie Yuan, Ph.D.†; Louis U. Bigliani, M.D.‡; Evan L. Flatow, M.D.§; Ken Yamaguchi, M.D.†
View Disclosures and Other Information
Investigation performed at the Shoulder and Elbow Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
*One or more of the authors has received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article. Funds were received in total or partial support of the research or clinical study presented in this article. The funding source was the Zimmer Corporation.
†Shoulder and Elbow Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 1 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza, Suite 11300, West Pavilion, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
‡Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. 10032.
§Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mt. Sinai University School of Medicine, New York, N.Y. 10029.

The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.  2000; 82:1594-1594 
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Abstract

Background: Recreation of normal anatomical relationships may be important to optimize the outcome of proximal humeral arthroplasty. With use of computerized tomographic data and three-dimensional computer modeling, we concurrently studied both extramedullary and intramedullary humeral morphology, including canal shape, and related these findings to the design of proximal humeral prostheses.

Methods: Sixty cadaveric humeri (thirty pairs: fifteen from male donors and fifteen from female donors) were studied. Three-dimensional computer models were built from canal and periosteal contours extracted from computerized tomographic data and multiple measured anatomical parameters, including humeral canal axis, humeral head center, and hinge point offset; greater tuberosity and bicipital groove offset; humeral head center, radius, thickness, retroversion, and inclination; and size and torsion of sections of the canal.

Results: On the average, the humeral head center was offset both medially (seven millimeters) and posteriorly (two millimeters) from the humeral axis. The humeral head hinge point did not line up with the axis but instead was laterally offset by an average of seven millimeters. The average humeral head thickness was nineteen millimeters. The humeral head thickness and length were proportionately linked. There was marked variability in all of these parameters. Humeral head inclination averaged 41 degrees but was less variable than previously described, with 95 percent of our sample within the range of 35 to 46 degrees. The proximal section of the humeral canal was retroverted, and the retroversion was found to be similar to that of the humeral head on statistical analysis. Version of the middle and distal sections of the canal, however, was dissimilar to that of the proximal section of the canal. Proximal humeral retroversion was found to be extremely variable and averaged 19 degrees. The accuracy, reliability, and repeatability of the computer-based-model measurements were found to be excellent.

Conclusions: Measurements of external proximal humeral morphology made with three-dimensional computer models of cadaveric specimens derived from the Midwestern United States agreed, in general, with those described for different populations evaluated with different measuring techniques. Proximal humeral morphology was extremely variable as highlighted by the large ranges of measurements seen for all variables. Examination of the intramedullary morphology showed that there is an internal version, with measurements dependent on the canal distance distal to the anatomical neck.

Clinical Relevance: Because of the marked variabilities seen in proximal humeral morphology, newer prosthetic designs are now allowing surgeons to control multiple prosthetic variables. An understanding of the normal values for proximal humeral morphology can serve as an important guideline for component selection, especially when the normal anatomy is distorted. Additionally, variations in intramedullary version may have important consequences for future designs of press-fit proximal humeral replacement.

Figures in this Article
    Recently introduced designs for prosthetic replacement of the proximal part of the humerus have emphasized the importance of accurate recreation of the normal three-dimensional anatomy1-5,7-12,17. However, to date, very few studies have detailed the external three-dimensional anatomy of the proximal part of the humerus. To our knowledge, no investigators have directly measured intramedullary proximal humeral morphology or correlated it to extramedullary morphology. Authors of available studies have employed either reamers to create an internal (canal) axis1,9,10 or noncontinuous surface measurements from which to interpolate and create a three-dimensional model3,18.
    The purpose of the present study was to employ modern techniques to describe concurrently both extramedullary and intramedullary humeral morphology, including canal shape, and to relate these findings to the design of proximal humeral prostheses. Computerized tomographic images and computer modeling were used to nondestructively create accurate three-dimensional models from which extramedullary and intramedullary morphology could be analyzed.
     
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    +Fig. 1:Side-by-side comparison of an actual right humerus and its radiograph, model's contours, and computer model.
     
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    +Fig. 2:Measured morphological parameters in the anterior perspective. ra = head radius, da = head thickness, hp = hinge point offset, xa = medial head center offset, gw = medial-lateral width of greater tuberosity, gn = distance between medial edge of greater tuberosity and canal axis, gc = distance between medial edge of greater tuberosity and head center, ga = distance between medial edge of greater tuberosity and articular surface, gh = vertical distance from tip of greater tuberosity to superior articular surface, small circle = head center, and vertical line = canal axis.
     
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    +Fig. 3:Measured morphological parameters in the superior perspective. rs = head radius, ds = head thickness, d max = maximum head thickness, xs = medial head center offset, ys = posterior head center offset, xb = lateral bicipital groove offset, yb = anterior bicipital groove offset, large circle = head center, and small circle = canal axis projecting superiorly.
     
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    +Fig. 4:Morphology of the proximal part of the humeral shaft. Ellipses were fit to axial cross sections. The major and minor axis lengths and major axis version angle were measured. Note that the humerus has been rotated so that the head center is in the coronal plane.
     
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    +Fig. 5:Graph showing the frequency distribution of humeral head thickness, as measured in the anterior perspective.
     
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    +Fig. 6:Graph showing the frequency distribution of humeral head retroversion measurements.
     
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    +Fig. 8:Graph showing the frequency distribution of humeral head inclination measurements.
     
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable I:  Values for Selected Humeral Morphological Parameters*
    *See Results section for values for additional parameters.†Sup. = superior perspective, and ant. = anterior perspective.‡According to the two-tailed unpaired t test.§According to the two-tailed paired t test.#NM = Not measured. Humeral length was measured only on the right humeri.
    Parameter†Mean ± S.D. (Range)P Value for Male-Female Difference‡P Value for Right-Left Difference§
    Head retroversion (sup.) (degrees)19 ± 6 (9-31)0.1560.928
    Head inclination (ant.) (degrees)41 ± 3 (34-47)0.2440.004
    Head radius (ant.) (mm)23 ± 2 (17-28)0.0000.699
    Head thickness (ant.) (mm)19 ± 2 (15-24)0.0030.000
    Medial head center offset (sup.) (mm)  7 ± 2 (4-12)0.0390.729
    Posterior head center offset (sup.) (mm)  2 ± 2 (-1-8)0.2450.583
    Lateral hinge point offset (ant.) (mm)  7 ± 2 (4-11)0.2480.248
    Distance from medial edge of greater tuberosity to medial articular surface (ant.) (mm)39 ± 5 (30-49)0.0000.571
    Lateral biceps offset (sup.) (mm)16 ± 3 (10-23)0.0000.003
    Anterior biceps offset (sup.) (mm)15 ± 3 (9-21)0.7250.007
    Humeral length (ant.) (cm)33 ± 3 (27-41)0.000NM#
     
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable II:  Correlation Coefficients (R) and P Values* from Linear Regression Analysis of Selected Humeral Morphological Parameters
    *The correlation coefficients (r) are on top, and the p values are underneath.†Sup. = superior perspective, and ant. = anterior perspective.
    Parameter†Head Radius Head ThicknessHead InclinationHead RetroversionMedial Head Center OffsetPosterior Head Center OffsetGreater Tuberosity Width
    Humeral length (ant.)0.72 0.000.76 0.00-0.09 0.62-0.08 0.670.55 0.000.32 0.080.59 0.00
    Head radius (ant.)0.71 0.00-0.12 0.36-0.13 0.320.37 0.000.00 0.980.43 0.00
    Head thickness (ant.)-0.38 0.000.03 0.800.14 0.29-0.33 0.010.15 0.24
    Head inclination (ant.)-0.11 0.390.00 0.980.39 0.00-0.01 0.94
    Head retroversion (sup.)0.06 0.67-0.06 0.650.11 0.41
    Medial head center offset (sup.)0.23 0.080.53 0.00
    Posterior head center offset (sup.)0.32 0.01
     
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable III:  Results of Canal Section Measurements
    *Ellipse 1 fits the canal five millimeters distal to the surgical neck, Ellipse 3 fits the canal at the mid-part of the shaft, and Ellipse 2 is halfway between Ellipses 1 and 2.†According to the two-tailed unpaired t test.
    Parameter*Mean S.D. (Range)P Value for Male-Female Difference†
    Ellipse 1
      Major axis length (mm)  23 ± 3 (17-27)0.012
      Minor axis length (mm)  18 ± 3 (13-21)0.044
      Major axis angle (degrees)-11 ± 7 (-25-0)0.270
    Ellipse 2
      Major axis length (mm)  15 ± 3 (7-19)0.155
      Minor axis length (mm)  14 ± 3 (7-17)0.197
      Major axis angle (degrees)  -5 ± 11 (-38-0)0.541
    Ellipse 3
      Major axis length (mm)  12 ± 3 (7-17)0.204
      Minor axis length (mm)    9 ± 2 (5-11)0.286
      Major axis angle (degrees)-36 ± 13 (-57- -9)0.826
     
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable IV:  Comparison with Prior Studies
    *Retroversion was measured with reference to the transepicondylar axis.
    Current StudyPrior Studies
    MeanRangeMeanRange
    Head retroversion* (degrees)19  9-312212183,18  0-6012-5-503,18
    Head inclination (degrees)4134-474564110403,1830-55632-511033-463,18
    Head radius (mm)2317-282512246221233,1820-321219-28620-26119-283,18
    Head thickness (mm)1915-241912206153,1815-221215-24612-183,18
    Medial head center offset (mm)  7  4-121012111 73,18  6-1212 7-141 3-113,18
    Posterior head center offset (mm)  2-1-8  512 21 33,18  0-1112-3-41-1-63,18
    Lateral hinge point offset (mm)  7  4-11<13,18-2-33,18
    Humeral length (cm)3327-41331028-361230-3810

    Three-Dimensional Modeling

    Sixty humeri from thirty unembalmed, fresh cadavera were obtained from donors in the Midwestern United States. Humeral pairs were excluded from the study if the donor had any apparent osseous abnormalities, including moderate or severe arthritis, or if osseous abnormalities were detected radiographically in either humerus of the pair. None of the donors had had any surgical procedure performed on the humeri or scapulae. There were fifteen women and fifteen men, ranging in age from twenty to eighty-two years (mean [and standard deviation], 54 ± 18 years) at the time of death. Eight pairs were from donors between the ages of twenty and forty years; eight, from donors between forty-one and sixty; twelve, from donors between sixty-one and eighty; and two, from donors older than eighty years. Donor height ranged from 149 to 194 centimeters (mean, 171.2 ± 12 centimeters). Three donors were black and twenty-seven were white; none were Hispanic.
    Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were made of the humeri. Four humeri at a time were placed into a specially designed holder, and computerized tomographic images were made with use of a Siemens Somatom Plus S scanner (Siemens Medical Systems, Erlangen, Germany). The axial slice thickness was two millimeters at two-millimeter intervals in the proximal and distal thirds of the humerus and at five-millimeter intervals in the mid-third (mid-part of the shaft) of the humerus. The field of view was approximately ten by ten centimeters, and all computerized tomographic images were reconstructed with use of a bone algorithm. The entire humerus was included to enable model alignment in space.
    The computerized tomographic data were then transferred to a computer-aided-design workstation. Initial work was performed with use of a UNIX-based SurgiCAD workstation running EMS (Event Management Software) (Intergraph, Huntsville, Alabama). Later work was performed with use of an Intel-Windows NT-based workstation running Materialise (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and UG (Unigraphics Solutions, Maryland Heights, Missouri) software. All image manipulation, contour extraction, model building, model alignment, and analyses were performed with use of computer-aided-design workstations. Inner (canal) and outer (periosteal) contours of the humeri were extracted with use of the SurgiCAD or Materialise software. This software was used to build the solid models, and EMS or UG software was used to align and analyze the models (Fig. 1).

    Measurements of Proximal Humeral Morphology

    Prior to morphological analysis, each solid humeral model was aligned in space. The long axis of each humerus was rigidly rotated to a vertical orientation in the coronal and sagittal planes, and the head center was rotated into the coronal plane. The models were rotated about the canal axis, creating anterior and medial views. The humeri were also rotated 90 degrees about the axial plane to create superior views. These different views were used for the analysis described below.
    The following parameters were calculated for each humerus: (1) humeral canal axis, calculated with use of least-squares fit16 to describe a line through the canal distal to the surgical neck and continuing to the mid-part of the humeral shaft; (2) humeral head center, calculated with use of the least-squares method to fit a sphere to the three-dimensional head data; and (3) humeral head radius, calculated in the anterior, superior, and medial perspectives by least-squares-method fitting of a circle to the articular surface, in each view (Fig. 2).
    Humeral head inclination was defined by the angle between the canal axis and the least-squares-fit line describing the articular margin (anatomical neck or inclination line). The neck-shaft angle could be calculated by adding 90 degrees to the inclination angle. It was defined by the angle between the canal axis and a line (neck-shaft line) passing through the head center and perpendicular to the articular inclination line. Humeral head thickness was defined by the distance along the neck-shaft line between the medial and lateral edges of the articular surface (Fig. 2).
    Humeral head center offsets from the canal axis were calculated in both the anterior and the superior perspective. In the anterior perspective, along the canal axis, the horizontal distance was measured between the intersection of the canal axis with the superior articular surface and the intersection of the inclination line with the superior articular surface. This distance has been called the hinge point3. In the superior perspective, the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior distances were measured as shown in Figure 3.
    The position of the greater tuberosity was also measured (Fig. 2). The medial edge of the greater tuberosity was defined by a vertical line (paralleling the canal axis) starting at the point of inflection between the superolateral edge of the articular surface and the superomedial edge of the greater tuberosity.
    Additional parameters measured in the superior perspective included humeral head retroversion, defined as the angle between the horizontal and a line connecting the most anterior points of the trochlea and capitellum, and the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior distances from the head center to the trough of the bicipital groove (Fig. 3).
    Three axial canal sections were selected from each right-sided humeral model (thirty humeri). These sections were equally spaced from the surgical neck to the mid-part of the shaft. An ellipse was fitted (with the least-squares method) to the axial canal sections, and the major and minor axis lengths and major axis version angle were measured (Fig. 4).

    Statistical Analysis

    Two-tailed t tests were used to determine differences between right and left humeri and between humeri from male and female donors with regard to head retroversion, head inclination, head radius, head thickness, medial and posterior head center offsets, hinge point offset, distance between the greater tuberosity and the articular surface, and lateral and anterior biceps offset. We also tested for differences between male and female donors with regard to humeral length and lengths of the major and minor axes of the ellipses. The same methods were used to test for differences between head retroversion and the three canal axis angles described above. This comparison demonstrated the extent of the retroversion deformity along the proximal part of the shaft. Linear regression analyses were performed for each of the following morphological parameters: humeral length, head radius, head thickness, head inclination, head retroversion, medial and posterior head center offsets, and greater tuberosity width. All statistical testing was performed with use of JMP software (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina), with the level of significance set at p £ 0.05.

    Measurement of Accuracy, Reliability, and Repeatability

    To test accuracy, reliability, and repeatability, original and repeat measurements of head radii in the anterior perspective were made for twenty randomly selected right humeri. Measurements were made of the actual bones with use of precision calipers and of the computer-assisted-design models (soft-copy measurements) with use of Materialise software. Accuracy was defined as the difference between caliper and soft-copy measurements. Reliability (precision) was defined as the average difference between repeated measurements of the same humeri. Repeatability was the measure of reliability relative to the variation among specimens. Tests were performed with JMP statistical software.

    Humeral Length, Head Radius, and Head Thickness

    The means, standard deviations, and ranges for these parameters, as measured in the anterior perspective, are listed in Table I. The frequency distribution of head thickness measurements is illustrated in Figure 5. Humeri from male donors were significantly longer (mean [and standard deviation], 35 ± 2 centimeters) than humeri from female donors (mean, 31 ± 2 centimeters), according to the two-tailed unpaired t test. Only right humeri were measured for length. Humeri from male donors also had a significantly larger head radius (mean, 24 ± 2 millimeters compared with 22 ± 2 millimeters for female donors) and head thickness (mean, 20 ± 2 millimeters compared with 18 ± 2 millimeters for female donors), according to the two-tailed unpaired t test.
    Correlation coefficients from linear regression analysis of these parameters are listed in Table II. Humeral length was correlated with head radius (r = 0.72) and head thickness (r = 0.76). Head radius was correlated with head thickness (r = 0.71).

    Humeral Head Retroversion and Inclination

    The means, standard deviations, and ranges for humeral head retroversion and inclination are listed in Table I. The frequency distributions of the head retroversion and inclination measurements are illustrated in Figure 6 and Figure 7. There was no significant difference between male and female donors for these two parameters, according to the two-tailed unpaired t test. However, there was a significant difference in head inclination between the right and left sides.

    Humeral Head Center and Hinge Point Offsets

    The head center was found to be medially and posteriorly offset (mean, seven and two millimeters, respectively) and the hinge point was found to be laterally offset (mean, seven millimeters) from the canal axis (Table I). There was a significant difference between male and female donors for medial head offset. Otherwise, there was no significant difference between male and female donors or between right and left humeri for these offset measurements, according to the two-tailed t test. Medial head center offset was correlated with humeral length (r = 0.55).

    Greater Tuberosity and Bicipital Groove Parameters

    The medial edge of the greater tuberosity was a mean of 10 ± 2 millimeters (range, five to fifteen millimeters) lateral to the canal axis and 16 ± 2 millimeters (range, thirteen to twenty-one millimeters) lateral to the head center. The distance from the medial edge of the greater tuberosity to the medial articular surface averaged 39 ± 5 millimeters (range, thirty to forty-nine millimeters). The mean vertical distance from the superior aspect of the greater tuberosity to the superior aspect of the humeral head was 6 ± 2 millimeters (range, three to eight millimeters). There was no significant difference between right and left humeri for these measurements, according to the two-tailed paired t test. The only significant male-female difference, according to the two-tailed unpaired t test, was for the distance from the medial edge of the greater tuberosity to the medial articular surface, which averaged 41 ± 3 millimeters for the men and 37 ± 3 millimeters for the women (Table I).
    The medial-lateral width of the greater tuberosity, as measured in the anterior perspective, averaged 9 ± 2 millimeters (range, six to twelve millimeters). This distance was correlated with humeral length (r = 0.59) and with medial head center offset (r = 0.53) (Table II).
    The lateral offset of the bicipital groove from the head center averaged 16 ± 3 millimeters (range, ten to twenty-three millimeters), whereas the anterior offset measured 15 ± 3 millimeters (range, nine to twenty-one millimeters). The lateral offset was significantly larger in the men (18 ± 3 millimeters compared with 15 ± 3 millimeters in the women) and the right humeri (18 ± 3 millimeters compared with 15 ± 3 millimeters in the left humeri), according to the two-tailed t test. There was no male-female difference between the anterior offsets, according to the two-tailed unpaired t test. The right anterior offset was significantly larger than the left (16 ± 3 millimeters compared with 14 ± 3 millimeters), according to the two-tailed paired t test.

    Canal Shape, Size, and Version

    The means, standard deviations, and ranges of the major and minor axis lengths and major axis angles (version) in the canal ellipses are listed in Table III. The angle values were negative, indicating retroversion. The major and minor axis lengths in the most proximal section were significantly larger in the men than in the women, according to the two-tailed unpaired t test. While the men had slightly larger axis lengths at the other two section levels, no significant male-female difference was detected with the two-tailed unpaired t test. No right-left differences were noted with the two-tailed paired t test.
    The two-tailed paired t test showed significant similarity between the humeral head retroversion and the major axis version of the most proximal canal section (p = 0.039). In other words, humeral head retroversion matched the retroversion of the ellipses fit to the proximal part of the canal. Humeral head retroversion was significantly different from the version of the two more distal sections, according to the two-tailed paired t test. The two-tailed paired t test also showed that the angle measurements at the three section levels were significantly different from each other. In addition, no significant male-female differences were found in the analyses (two-tailed unpaired t test) of the angle measurements in the three sections (Table III).

    Measurement of Accuracy, Reliability, and Repeatability

    Both caliper (actual bone) and soft-copy (computer-aided-design model) measurements were highly reliable, with the means (and standard deviations) of the original and repeat caliper measurements being 20.5 ± 1.7 and 20.4 ± 1.5 millimeters, respectively, and the means of the original and repeat soft-copy measurements being 20.1 ± 1.7 and 20.0 ± 2.1 millimeters, respectively. The repeatability of both the caliper and the soft-copy measurements was very high, with the variation between the original and repeat measurements representing less than 0.1 percent of measurement variation among humeri. Soft-copy measurements were slightly biased, underestimating caliper measurements by 0.4 millimeter (standard deviation of the difference, 0.7 millimeter). This represents 2.6 percent in total measurement variation.
    If recreation of normal anatomy is the goal of prosthetic replacement of the proximal part of the humerus, it is important to have a three-dimensional understanding of normal extramedullary and intramedullary humeral morphology. This knowledge can affect prosthetic sizing, positioning, and design. The extramedullary position of the prosthesis is important for joint kinematics, while intramedullary anatomy can influence prosthetic fixation and articular surface position. This link between the two anatomical considerations necessitates concurrent understanding of both extramedullary and intramedullary morphology, in order to better approximate normal anatomy with proximal humeral arthroplasty.
    Using radiographs, surface scans, or direct measurements, previous investigators have primarily studied the extramedullary morphology of the proximal part of the humerus1,3,6,9,10,12. Ballmer et al.1 were, to our knowledge, the first to relate external morphology to an internal axis dependent on native intramedullary morphology. Pearl and Volk9,10 extended this work, measuring retroversion, lateral canal offset, and greater tuberosity width, all relative to the center of a surgically reamed canal. Approximations based on the axis of a reamed canal have a practically relevant attribute; however, they may be inaccurate if the canal is not cylindrical and the line-to-line fit of the reamer is not consistent.
    Recently, Boileau and Walch3,18 measured extramedullary morphology and related it to an approximated canal axis generated from measurements of the periosteal surface. In that study, three-dimensional reconstructions were created from surface measurements made at 10-degree increments every five millimeters along the proximal part of the humerus. Although a large number of surface measurements were made, this method left gaps of information that required interpolation during computer reconstruction. For a straight cylinder with uniformly thick walls, surface-based approximations of the canal axis would be accurate. However, the humeral shaft is curved and cortical thickness varies, potentially producing inaccuracies in such surface-based approximations.
    Our use of three-dimensional high-resolution computer models based on computerized tomographic data had several advantages over previous study methods. These included (1) analysis of both extramedullary and intramedullary morphology, including canal shape; (2) nondestructive creation of a reproducible intramedullary axis; (3) use of volumetric continuous data, which reduced model interpolation and increased accuracy; and (4) analysis of cortical morphology. While proximal humeral arthroplasty was the primary focus of this study, we included morphology of the greater and lesser tuberosities and the bicipital groove so that this analysis would be relevant to fracture reconstruction as well.
    The computer-based measurement technique that is described here was reliably reproducible and accurate. Application of three-dimensional reconstruction from computerized tomographic images has precedence in total joint arthroplasty for degenerative or developmentally dysplastic hips15. Previous applications of this technology have aided in evaluation preceding total hip arthroplasty and in development of custom-made hip prostheses13,14,19. This technique can thus be important not only for preoperative planning when the anatomy may be severely distorted, but also in the development of prosthetic designs based on normal anatomy.
    Computer-based measurements, when compared with caliper measurements of the actual specimens, underestimated the humeral head radius by only 0.4 millimeter. With regard to extramedullary parameters, our data confirmed previously recorded measurements of proximal humeral morphology1,3,6,10,12. We found that the humeral head was not a perfect sphere because the radius of curvature was smaller when the head was viewed from the superior perspective than when it was viewed from the anterior perspective. Our radial dimensions agreed with those in previous literature (Table IV). We also confirmed that humeral length was correlated with head radius and head thickness and that head radius was correlated with head thickness3,7,10. This finding implies, as previously suggested by Pearl and Volk10 and by Boileau and Walch3, that appropriate prosthetic sizing should proportionately link head radius and thickness.
    Head retroversion was quite variable, with 95 percent of our sample in the range of 9.5 to 31 degrees, and it was not correlated with other parameters; thus, a proportional sizing link is not possible. These results agreed with those of prior studies3,4,12 and substantiate the importance of individual reconstruction of native retroversion.
    Humeral head inclination was variable, but less so, with 95 percent of our sample in the range of 35 to 46 degrees. As with retroversion, head inclination was not correlated with other proximal humeral parameters; thus, its reconstruction must be tailored to the individual. Third-generation prosthetic designs can permit individual replication of head inclination3. However, approximating the location of the true anatomical neck can be difficult secondary to distortion by osteophytes. An alternative approach would be to produce two inclination angles for common sizes of prostheses. Given a fixed inclination angle of 41 degrees and acceptance of an error of 3 degrees when matching patients' native angles with the prosthesis, 65 percent of our sample would fit into this group. With two inclination sizes of 38 and 44 degrees and allowance of a 3-degree mismatch with patients' native angles, 95 percent of our sample could be accommodated. Thus, 95 percent of our sample would have a match within 3 degrees if two inclination sizes were available.
    Our direct measurements of the magnitude of medial and posterior offset of the head center relative to the canal axis were similar to the findings of previous investigators who approximated these measurements (Table IV). We found that medial and posterior head offsets did not have good correlation with other measured parameters. The variability of these two parameters was relatively small, with 95 percent confidence intervals spanning eight millimeters. However, these two parameters are important as small shifts in the location of the prosthetic head center may produce deleterious effects on prosthetic position10.
    The offset of the hinge point was consistently lateral, with a range of four to eleven millimeters. This offset was larger than the one described by Boileau and Walch3,18. This difference may have been due to differences in measuring technique: we measured the canal axis directly, whereas Boileau and Walch approximated the canal axis from measurements of the periosteal surface. Canal offsets dictate relative prosthetic position, but the canal morphology dictates more than medial-lateral and anterior-posterior prosthetic location. It also may dictate version (retroversion) and prosthetic stem size. This is especially true for cementless designs. The rotational orientation (version) and dimensions of the proximal part of the canal can play a critical role in positioning. To our knowledge, our study is the first to define this intramedullary morphology.
    A surgically relevant finding in our study was that the long axes of ellipses fit to the proximal half of the humeral canal were retroverted. The proximal portion of the canal, in general, was aligned with the native retroversion of the articular surface. The most proximal portion of the canal was less retroverted (in alignment with native retroversion) than the middle portion of the canal (not aligned with native retroversion). These findings have two important implications for proximal humeral arthroplasty. First, a cementless stem with proximal canal fit would align itself with the internal contours of the proximal part of the humerus and be seated in anatomical retroversion. However, if the humeral neck resection is not in anatomical retroversion, the prosthetic collar may not sit evenly on the cut bone surface. Second, as the degree of canal retroversion increases from proximal to distal, there may be a mismatch in version alignment for longer-stemmed cementless prostheses that are press-fit distally. For this reason, the distal portion of a long-stem prosthesis may need to be cylindrical.
    As the proximal canal cross-sections were fit by an ellipse and not a circle, an elliptical design proximally for cementless prostheses may improve fixation, torsional and axial stability, and osseous integration. Alignment of the prosthesis with the ellipse axis of the proximal part of the canal would align the prosthetic head with the native retroversion. Our data suggest that an elliptical shape for the middle or distal portion of the prosthesis may not be desirable. An elliptical shape for the distal portion of the prosthesis would be less advantageous because of the high individual variability of the major axis angles of the distal part of the canal and the lack of correlation between these angles and the axis angles of the proximal part of the canal. A cylindrical shape of the distal part of the prosthesis may provide less line-to-line fit, but it would not make inappropriate version necessary.
    In conclusion, computer-based modeling was an effective tool for analyzing humeral morphology with specific reference to proximal humeral arthroplasty. The findings confirmed and expanded previously recorded extramedullary measurements while providing new information on intramedullary morphology. This information should be important not only in the development of new prosthetic designs but also as an effective guideline for component selection during prosthetic arthroplasty with modular systems.
    Ballmer, F. T.; Sidles, J. A.; Lippitt, S. B.; and Matsen, F. A. III: Humeral prosthetic arthroplasty: surgically relevant considerations. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg. ,2: 296-304, 1993.2296  1993 
     
    Bigliani, L. U.; Kelkar, R.; Flatow, E. L.; Pollock, R. G.; and Mow, V. C.: Glenohumeral stability. Biomechanical properties of passive and active stabilizers. Clin. Orthop. ,330: 13-30, 1996.33013  1996  [PubMed]
     
    3.Boileau, P. and Walch, G.: : The three-dimensional geometry of the proximal humerus. Implications for surgical technique and prosthetic design. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,79-B(5): 857-865, 1997.79-B(5)857  1997 
     
    Friedman, R. J.: Biomechanics of the shoulder following total shoulder replacement. In Surgery of the Shoulder, pp. 263-266. Edited by M. Post, B. F. Morrey, and R. J. Hawkins. St. Louis, Mosby-Year Book, 1990 
     
    Harryman, D. T.; Sidles, J. A.; Harris, S. L.; Lippitt, S. B.; and Matsen, F. A. III: The effect of articular conformity and the size of the humeral head component on laxity and motion after glenohumeral arthroplasty. A study in cadavera. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,77-A: 555-563, April 1995.77-A555  1995 
     
    Iannotti, J. P.; Gabriel, J. P.; Schneck, S. L.; Evans, B. G.; and Misra, S.: The normal glenohumeral relationships. An anatomical study of one hundred and forty shoulders. J. Bone and Joint Surg.,74-A: 491-500, April 1992.74-A491  1992 
     
    Iannotti, J. P., and Williams, G. R. : Total shoulder arthroplasty. Factors influencing prosthetic design. Orthop. Clin. North America, ,29: 377-391, 1998.29377  1998 
     
    Jobe, C. M., and Iannotti, J. P.: : Limits imposed on glenohumeral motion by joint geometry. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg. ,4: 281-285, 1995.4281  1995 
     
    Pearl, M. L., and Volk, A. G.: Retroversion of the proximal humerus in relationship to prosthetic replacement arthroplasty. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg. ,4: 286-289, 1995.4286  1995 
     
    Pearl, M. L., and Volk, A. G. : Coronal plane geometry of the proximal humerus relevant to prosthetic arthroplasty. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg.,5: 320-326, 1996.5320  1996 
     
    Rietveld, A. B.; Daanen, H. A.; Rozing, P. M.; and Obermann, W. R. : The lever arm in glenohumeral abduction after hemiarthroplasty. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,70-B(4): 561-565, 1988.70-B(4)561  1988 
     
    Roberts, S. N.; Foley, A. P.; Swallow, H. M.; Wallace, W. A.; and Coughlan, D. P.: The geometry of the humeral head and the design of prostheses. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,73-B(4): 647-650, 1991.73-B(4)647  1991 
     
    Robertson, D. D.; Walker, P. S.; Granholm, J. W.; Nelson, P. C.; Weiss, P. J.; Fishman, E. K.; and Magid, D.: Design of custom hip stem prostheses using three-dimensional CT modeling. J. Comput. Assist. Tomog.,11: 804-809, 1987.11804  1987 
     
    Robertson, D. D.; Walker, P. S.; Fishman, E. K.; Mintzer, C. M.; Poss, R.; Magid, D.; Granholm, J. W.; Brooker, A. F.; and Essinger, J. R.: The application of advanced CT imaging and computer graphics methods to reconstructive surgery of the hip. Orthopedics,12: 661-667, 1989.12661  1989  [PubMed]
     
    Robertson, D. D.; Essinger, J. R.; Imura, S.; Kuroki, Y.; Sakamaki, T.; Shimizu, T.; and Tanaka, S.: Femoral deformity in adults with developmental hip dysplasia. Clin. Orthop. ,327: 196-206, 1996.327196  1996  [PubMed]
     
    Sokal, R. R. and Rohlf, F. J.: Biometry. Ed. 3, pp. 460-461. New York, William H. Freeman, 1995 
     
    Soslowsky, L. J.; Flatow, E. L.; Bigliani, L. U.; and Mow, V. C.: Articular geometry of the glenohumeral joint. Clin. Orthop. ,285: 181-190, 1992.285181  1992  [PubMed]
     
    Walch, G., and Boileau, P.: Morphological study of the humeral proximal epiphysis. In Proceedings of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and the Elbow. J. Bone and Joint Surg. 74-B (Supplement I): 14, 1992 
     
    Walker, P. S., and Robertson, D. D.: : Design and fabrication of cementless hip stems. Clin. Orthop.,235: 25-34, 1988.23525  1988  [PubMed]
     

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    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 1:Side-by-side comparison of an actual right humerus and its radiograph, model's contours, and computer model.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 2:Measured morphological parameters in the anterior perspective. ra = head radius, da = head thickness, hp = hinge point offset, xa = medial head center offset, gw = medial-lateral width of greater tuberosity, gn = distance between medial edge of greater tuberosity and canal axis, gc = distance between medial edge of greater tuberosity and head center, ga = distance between medial edge of greater tuberosity and articular surface, gh = vertical distance from tip of greater tuberosity to superior articular surface, small circle = head center, and vertical line = canal axis.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 3:Measured morphological parameters in the superior perspective. rs = head radius, ds = head thickness, d max = maximum head thickness, xs = medial head center offset, ys = posterior head center offset, xb = lateral bicipital groove offset, yb = anterior bicipital groove offset, large circle = head center, and small circle = canal axis projecting superiorly.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 4:Morphology of the proximal part of the humeral shaft. Ellipses were fit to axial cross sections. The major and minor axis lengths and major axis version angle were measured. Note that the humerus has been rotated so that the head center is in the coronal plane.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 5:Graph showing the frequency distribution of humeral head thickness, as measured in the anterior perspective.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 6:Graph showing the frequency distribution of humeral head retroversion measurements.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for Jump
    +Fig. 8:Graph showing the frequency distribution of humeral head inclination measurements.
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable I:  Values for Selected Humeral Morphological Parameters*
    *See Results section for values for additional parameters.†Sup. = superior perspective, and ant. = anterior perspective.‡According to the two-tailed unpaired t test.§According to the two-tailed paired t test.#NM = Not measured. Humeral length was measured only on the right humeri.
    Parameter†Mean ± S.D. (Range)P Value for Male-Female Difference‡P Value for Right-Left Difference§
    Head retroversion (sup.) (degrees)19 ± 6 (9-31)0.1560.928
    Head inclination (ant.) (degrees)41 ± 3 (34-47)0.2440.004
    Head radius (ant.) (mm)23 ± 2 (17-28)0.0000.699
    Head thickness (ant.) (mm)19 ± 2 (15-24)0.0030.000
    Medial head center offset (sup.) (mm)  7 ± 2 (4-12)0.0390.729
    Posterior head center offset (sup.) (mm)  2 ± 2 (-1-8)0.2450.583
    Lateral hinge point offset (ant.) (mm)  7 ± 2 (4-11)0.2480.248
    Distance from medial edge of greater tuberosity to medial articular surface (ant.) (mm)39 ± 5 (30-49)0.0000.571
    Lateral biceps offset (sup.) (mm)16 ± 3 (10-23)0.0000.003
    Anterior biceps offset (sup.) (mm)15 ± 3 (9-21)0.7250.007
    Humeral length (ant.) (cm)33 ± 3 (27-41)0.000NM#
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable II:  Correlation Coefficients (R) and P Values* from Linear Regression Analysis of Selected Humeral Morphological Parameters
    *The correlation coefficients (r) are on top, and the p values are underneath.†Sup. = superior perspective, and ant. = anterior perspective.
    Parameter†Head Radius Head ThicknessHead InclinationHead RetroversionMedial Head Center OffsetPosterior Head Center OffsetGreater Tuberosity Width
    Humeral length (ant.)0.72 0.000.76 0.00-0.09 0.62-0.08 0.670.55 0.000.32 0.080.59 0.00
    Head radius (ant.)0.71 0.00-0.12 0.36-0.13 0.320.37 0.000.00 0.980.43 0.00
    Head thickness (ant.)-0.38 0.000.03 0.800.14 0.29-0.33 0.010.15 0.24
    Head inclination (ant.)-0.11 0.390.00 0.980.39 0.00-0.01 0.94
    Head retroversion (sup.)0.06 0.67-0.06 0.650.11 0.41
    Medial head center offset (sup.)0.23 0.080.53 0.00
    Posterior head center offset (sup.)0.32 0.01
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable III:  Results of Canal Section Measurements
    *Ellipse 1 fits the canal five millimeters distal to the surgical neck, Ellipse 3 fits the canal at the mid-part of the shaft, and Ellipse 2 is halfway between Ellipses 1 and 2.†According to the two-tailed unpaired t test.
    Parameter*Mean S.D. (Range)P Value for Male-Female Difference†
    Ellipse 1
      Major axis length (mm)  23 ± 3 (17-27)0.012
      Minor axis length (mm)  18 ± 3 (13-21)0.044
      Major axis angle (degrees)-11 ± 7 (-25-0)0.270
    Ellipse 2
      Major axis length (mm)  15 ± 3 (7-19)0.155
      Minor axis length (mm)  14 ± 3 (7-17)0.197
      Major axis angle (degrees)  -5 ± 11 (-38-0)0.541
    Ellipse 3
      Major axis length (mm)  12 ± 3 (7-17)0.204
      Minor axis length (mm)    9 ± 2 (5-11)0.286
      Major axis angle (degrees)-36 ± 13 (-57- -9)0.826
    Anchor for JumpAnchor for JumpTable IV:  Comparison with Prior Studies
    *Retroversion was measured with reference to the transepicondylar axis.
    Current StudyPrior Studies
    MeanRangeMeanRange
    Head retroversion* (degrees)19  9-312212183,18  0-6012-5-503,18
    Head inclination (degrees)4134-474564110403,1830-55632-511033-463,18
    Head radius (mm)2317-282512246221233,1820-321219-28620-26119-283,18
    Head thickness (mm)1915-241912206153,1815-221215-24612-183,18
    Medial head center offset (mm)  7  4-121012111 73,18  6-1212 7-141 3-113,18
    Posterior head center offset (mm)  2-1-8  512 21 33,18  0-1112-3-41-1-63,18
    Lateral hinge point offset (mm)  7  4-11<13,18-2-33,18
    Humeral length (cm)3327-41331028-361230-3810
    Ballmer, F. T.; Sidles, J. A.; Lippitt, S. B.; and Matsen, F. A. III: Humeral prosthetic arthroplasty: surgically relevant considerations. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg. ,2: 296-304, 1993.2296  1993 
     
    Bigliani, L. U.; Kelkar, R.; Flatow, E. L.; Pollock, R. G.; and Mow, V. C.: Glenohumeral stability. Biomechanical properties of passive and active stabilizers. Clin. Orthop. ,330: 13-30, 1996.33013  1996  [PubMed]
     
    3.Boileau, P. and Walch, G.: : The three-dimensional geometry of the proximal humerus. Implications for surgical technique and prosthetic design. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,79-B(5): 857-865, 1997.79-B(5)857  1997 
     
    Friedman, R. J.: Biomechanics of the shoulder following total shoulder replacement. In Surgery of the Shoulder, pp. 263-266. Edited by M. Post, B. F. Morrey, and R. J. Hawkins. St. Louis, Mosby-Year Book, 1990 
     
    Harryman, D. T.; Sidles, J. A.; Harris, S. L.; Lippitt, S. B.; and Matsen, F. A. III: The effect of articular conformity and the size of the humeral head component on laxity and motion after glenohumeral arthroplasty. A study in cadavera. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,77-A: 555-563, April 1995.77-A555  1995 
     
    Iannotti, J. P.; Gabriel, J. P.; Schneck, S. L.; Evans, B. G.; and Misra, S.: The normal glenohumeral relationships. An anatomical study of one hundred and forty shoulders. J. Bone and Joint Surg.,74-A: 491-500, April 1992.74-A491  1992 
     
    Iannotti, J. P., and Williams, G. R. : Total shoulder arthroplasty. Factors influencing prosthetic design. Orthop. Clin. North America, ,29: 377-391, 1998.29377  1998 
     
    Jobe, C. M., and Iannotti, J. P.: : Limits imposed on glenohumeral motion by joint geometry. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg. ,4: 281-285, 1995.4281  1995 
     
    Pearl, M. L., and Volk, A. G.: Retroversion of the proximal humerus in relationship to prosthetic replacement arthroplasty. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg. ,4: 286-289, 1995.4286  1995 
     
    Pearl, M. L., and Volk, A. G. : Coronal plane geometry of the proximal humerus relevant to prosthetic arthroplasty. J. Shoulder and Elbow Surg.,5: 320-326, 1996.5320  1996 
     
    Rietveld, A. B.; Daanen, H. A.; Rozing, P. M.; and Obermann, W. R. : The lever arm in glenohumeral abduction after hemiarthroplasty. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,70-B(4): 561-565, 1988.70-B(4)561  1988 
     
    Roberts, S. N.; Foley, A. P.; Swallow, H. M.; Wallace, W. A.; and Coughlan, D. P.: The geometry of the humeral head and the design of prostheses. J. Bone and Joint Surg. ,73-B(4): 647-650, 1991.73-B(4)647  1991 
     
    Robertson, D. D.; Walker, P. S.; Granholm, J. W.; Nelson, P. C.; Weiss, P. J.; Fishman, E. K.; and Magid, D.: Design of custom hip stem prostheses using three-dimensional CT modeling. J. Comput. Assist. Tomog.,11: 804-809, 1987.11804  1987 
     
    Robertson, D. D.; Walker, P. S.; Fishman, E. K.; Mintzer, C. M.; Poss, R.; Magid, D.; Granholm, J. W.; Brooker, A. F.; and Essinger, J. R.: The application of advanced CT imaging and computer graphics methods to reconstructive surgery of the hip. Orthopedics,12: 661-667, 1989.12661  1989  [PubMed]
     
    Robertson, D. D.; Essinger, J. R.; Imura, S.; Kuroki, Y.; Sakamaki, T.; Shimizu, T.; and Tanaka, S.: Femoral deformity in adults with developmental hip dysplasia. Clin. Orthop. ,327: 196-206, 1996.327196  1996  [PubMed]
     
    Sokal, R. R. and Rohlf, F. J.: Biometry. Ed. 3, pp. 460-461. New York, William H. Freeman, 1995 
     
    Soslowsky, L. J.; Flatow, E. L.; Bigliani, L. U.; and Mow, V. C.: Articular geometry of the glenohumeral joint. Clin. Orthop. ,285: 181-190, 1992.285181  1992  [PubMed]
     
    Walch, G., and Boileau, P.: Morphological study of the humeral proximal epiphysis. In Proceedings of the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and the Elbow. J. Bone and Joint Surg. 74-B (Supplement I): 14, 1992 
     
    Walker, P. S., and Robertson, D. D.: : Design and fabrication of cementless hip stems. Clin. Orthop.,235: 25-34, 1988.23525  1988  [PubMed]
     
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