Comparison of the critical shoulder angle in radiographs and computed tomography

Abstract

Measurements of the CSA on anterior-posterior radiographs and CT scans are highly correlated, and inter-modality differences are negligible.

Critical shoulder angle is an effective radiographic parameter that is associated with rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis: a systematic review

“…One study (n=59) compared radiograph with CT scans and found the results to be highly correlated (Spearman’s rho=0.974) with negligible intermodality differences 15. The other study (n=30) compared radiographs with MRI and determined that CSA measurements from radiographs demonstrated excellent intrarater/inter-rater agreement, 0.909 (95% CI 0.818 to 0.956) and 0.869 (95 % CI 0.776 to 0.930), respectively 14.…”

Predictors of Shoulder Degeneration in the KwaZulu-Natal Population of South Africa

“…Since these parameters were characterized by long acromia with superiorly-inclined glenoid fossae, it was understood that the smaller deltoid moment arm may result in the decentralization of the force vector on the glenoid fossa (Moor et al, 2014a;Viehöfer et al). Therefore, a greater load would be required by the rotator cuff muscles to counterbalance the deltoid force, thus initiating rotator cuff tears (Moor et al, 2013;Moor et al, 2014a;Bouaicha et al;Daggett et al;Spiegl et al).…”

“…Since the critical shoulder angle and acromion index are considered to be characteristic of subacromial pathology, there is much need for the evaluation of these biomechanical parameters as separate and interrelated predictors of shoulder degeneration in the South African population (Armfield et al, 2003;Moor et al, 2013;Bouaicha et al, 2014;Gerber et al, 2014;Spiegl et al, 2016). As the scapulo-humeral geometry related to these parameters present as static stabilisers, the relationship between the latter and the surrounding musculature determines the stability of the shoulder (Armfield et al;Moor et al, 2013;Gerber et al).…”

“…The critical shoulder angle, an analytical tool of an individual's scapular anatomy, quantifies the angle between the superior and inferior osseous glenoidal margins and the lateral-most aspect of the acromion (Moor et al, 2012;Bouaicha et al;Gerber et al;Daggett et al, 2015;Spiegl et al;Viehöfer et al, 2016). This novel radiological parameter provides reasoning for the occurence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff tears by measuring both the lateral acromial extension and the glenoid slope (Moor et al, 2013;Gerber et al;Spiegl et al).…”

Rotator cuff pathology: state of the art

“…If no radiograph of sufficient quality is available, the CSA can be measured in CT scans instead46 and in MRI scans with less accuracy 47. Together with age and trauma, the CSA accurately predicts rotator cuff tears.…”