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The role of Emx2 during scapula formation.

The scapula is subdivided into head, collum, and blade. Due to the expression pattern of Emx2 and the absence of the scapula blade in Emx2 knockout mice, it has been suggested that Emx2 is involved in the formation of the scapula. Micromanipulation experiments revealed that ectoderm ablation over the somites does not affect Emx2 expression but inhibits the formation of the scapula blade indicating that Emx2 is not sufficient to induce scapula blade formation. Furthermore, we show that the formation of the scapula head is dependent, scapula blade formation independent of FGFR-1-mediated signaling. Overexpression of Emx2 does not influence scapula blade formation but leads to the development of an additional posterior digit in the anterior border of the limb. Taken together, the data presented implicate that Emx2 expression is necessary but not sufficient for the development of the scapula blade. It is not a marker for scapula development but rather provides positional information along the proximodistal and anterior-posterior limb axes, whereas the specificity of the developing skeletal elements is determined by the concerted interaction of Emx2 with other factors.

Animals↗

The use of three-dimensional computed tomography in evaluating snapping scapula syndrome.

This article evaluates imaging of the scapula and scapulothoracic joint in patients with snapping scapula syndrome. Between 1990 and 1996, a total of 20 patients (10 men and 10 women) with snapping scapula syndrome were evaluated. Diagnosis was based on patient complaints and physical examination findings. There were 26 affected scapulae (6 patients had bilateral presentation). Imaging of the scapula included plain radiography, computed tomography (CT), and 3-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) reconstruction. Plain radiography revealed bony incongruity between the anterior aspect of the scapula and the chest wall in 7 scapulae, CT revealed such incongruity in 19 scapulae, and 3-D CT revealed incongruity in all 26 scapulae. Treatment was conservative, consisting of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a physiotherapy program, and subscapular injection of a local anesthetic and steroids. In 5 patients who responded poorly to conservative treatment, the region responsible for the snapping was resected. Pain relief and resolution of the snapping were complete following surgery in 4 patients, while pain and crepitation persisted in the fifth. Three-dimensional CT is recommended as the main imaging modality in the evaluation of any patient with snapping scapula syndrome who is a candidate for surgical intervention.

Adult↗

[Roentgenographical examination on the tilted angle of the scapula in the resting position (author's transl)].

Roentgenographical examination was carried out in 56 normal subjects ranging from 12 to 80 years of age with the purpose of evaluating the degrees of the tilted angle of the scapula in three dimensions at the relaxed standing position. Bilateral roentgenograms of shoulder were taken in the standard antero-posterior position and at the 30 degrees of oblique projections. Five landmarks were selected on each roentgenogram and measured by X and Y coordinates. The degrees of tilted angles of the scapula in three dimension was determined by using the specific equations. Average angle of medial tilt of the scapula was 32.1 degrees (+/0 7.0 degrees) in the right and 31.9 degrees (+/- 8.0 degrees) in the left respectively. Average angle of the medial tilt of the scapula in both sexes was 29.9 degrees (+/- 7.7 degrees) in males and 34.0 degrees (+/- 6.5 degrees) in females. The average angle of medial tilt of the scapula tended to decrease in accordance with the aging process. Average angle of downward tilt of the scapula was 11.5 degrees (+/- 12.5 degrees) in the right and 12.3 degrees (+/- 11.1 degrees) in the left respectively. Average angle of the downward tilt of the scapula in both sexes was 12.9 degrees (+/- 12.7 degrees) in males and 10.8 degrees (+/- 10.7 degrees) in females. The average angle of downward tilt of the scapula statistically increased in accordance with age (r = 0.34). Average angle of upward rotation of the scapula was increased in accordance with the aging process. It was suggested that the restricted rotation of the scapula was one the major causes of the restricted abduction of the shoulder in the aged.

Adolescent↗

Developmental anomalies of the scapula-the "omo"st forgotten bone.

Congenital malformations of the scapula, ranging from complete absence, to abnormal shape and position (Sprengel anomaly) are encountered, not infrequently, in genetic practice. Despite this, little is known of the embryologic origin of the scapula and the relationship of the embryology to the observed birth defects. Standard embryology texts, when discussing the subject at all, generally consider the scapula as part of the upper limb. The pattern of associated birth defects suggests that this is at least an oversimplification and may be inaccurate. Sprengel anomaly is the most frequently encountered malformation of the scapula. It can be seen in isolation, but is often seen in association with other defects that include; scoliosis, hemivertebrae, segmentation abnormalities of vertebrae and ribs (including Klippel-Feil sequence), spina bifida, clavicular abnormalities, renal abnormalities and hypoplasia of the muscles of the neck and shoulder. The ipsilateral limb is usually normal. An unappreciated association between Sprengel anomaly and diastematomyelia of the lumbar spine also raises questions about the embryologic origin of the scapula. 25-50% of Sprengel anomaly patients have an associated omovertebral band or bone that arises from the posterior process of a vertebral body and attaches to the superior angle/medial portion of the scapula. This is felt to be of scapular origin, but the report of at least one patient with an omovertebral bone, not associated with a Sprengel anomaly questions this assumption. Scapuloiliac dysostosis (Kosenow syndrome), a rare skeletal dysplasia, is associated with marked hypoplasia of the scapulae, clavicles and pelvis. Associated anomalies include eye anomalies, rib anomalies and spina bifida. The limbs are normal. Knockout of the Emx2 gene in mice yields a similar skeletal phenotype. Mutations in EMX2 in humans are associated with schizencephaly, not skeletal anomalies. Data on gene expression in the scapula will be reviewed. Based on this information, the author proposes that the scapula arises from 2 or more distinct embryologic anlage under different genetic control than the upper limb.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Osseous anatomy of the scapula.

Detailed anatomy and morphometry of the scapula were obtained to provide information for surgical procedures such as hardware fixation, drill hole placement, arthroscopic portal placement, and prosthetic positioning. Twenty-six measurements were made in 15 pairs of scapulas from cadavers. The average length of the scapulas from the superior to the inferior angle was 155 +/- 16 mm (mean +/- standard deviation). The thickness of the medial border 1 cm from the edge was 4 +/- 1 mm. The superior border was sharp and thin, and the suprascapular notch was present as a foramen in two scapulas. The distance from the base of the suprascapular notch to the superior rim of the glenoid was 32 +/- 3 mm. The length of the spine from the medial edge of the scapula to the lateral edge of the acromion was 134 +/- 12 mm. The anteroposterior width of the spine at 1 and 4 cm from the medial edge was 7 +/- 1 and 18 +/- 3 mm, respectively; the width at the lateral edge (spinoglenoid notch) was 46 +/- 6 mm. The acromion measured 48 +/- 5 mm x 22 +/- 4 mm and was 9 +/- 1 mm thick. The acromial shape was flat in 23%, curved in 63%, and hooked in 14% of scapulas. The distance from the glenoid to the acromion was 16 +/- 2 mm. The glenoid dimensions were 29 +/- 3 mm (anteroposterior) x 36 +/- 4 mm (superoinferior) and faced posterior by 8 +/- 4 degrees. Anteroposterior thickness of the head of the scapula 1 cm from the surface was 22 +/- 4 mm. The thickness of the coracoid was 11 +/- 1 mm. The average length of the coracoacromial ligament was 27 +/- 5 mm. Scapulas from male cadavers were significantly larger than scapulas from female cadavers in 19 measurements.

Acromion↗

Levator scapulae muscle asymmetry presenting as a palpable neck mass: CT evaluation.

PURPOSE: To define the normal CT anatomy of the levator scapulae muscle and to report on a series of five patients who presented with a palpable mass in the posterior triangle due to asymmetry of the levator scapulae muscles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The contrast-enhanced CT examinations of the neck in 25 patients without palpable masses were reviewed to establish the normal CT appearance of the levator scapulae muscle. We retrospectively reviewed the contrast-enhanced CT examinations of the neck in five patients who presented with a palpable mass secondary to asymmetric levator scapulae muscles. RESULTS: In three patients who had undergone unilateral radical neck dissection, hypertrophy of the ipsilateral levator scapulae muscle was found. In one patient, the normal levator scapulae muscle produced a factitious "mass" due to atrophy of the contralateral levator scapulae muscle. One patient had an intramuscular neoplasm of the levator scapulae. CONCLUSION: Asymmetry of the levator scapulae muscles, an unusual cause of a posterior triangle mass, can be diagnosed using CT.

Adult↗

Scapula form and biomechanics in gorillas.

Gorillas are generating renewed interest as mounting evidence from field and molecular studies strongly suggests the western lowland (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and eastern mountain (Gorilla gorilla beringei) gorillas are considerably more distinct than has previously been accepted. Schultz (1927, 1930, 1934) was one of the earliest investigators to document morphological differences between the two groups, noting differences in pedal, limb and scapular morphology. These differences led Schultz to conclude that while lowland gorillas retained some features suited to an arboreal habitat, the mountain gorilla had evolved into a specialized terrestrial quadruped. In particular, he noted that mountain gorillas exhibited lower values for the scapular index, higher values for ratios of infraspinous fossa vs. scapula length and spine length vs. scapula length and variability in the extent of curvature of the vertebral border. However, Schultz' observations were based upon small sample sizes of mostly adult specimens. This study extends Schultz' preliminary work by assessing, with appreciably larger sample sizes, patterns of relative growth of the scapula in these two subspecies of Gorilla. Scapula measurements were obtained for ontogenetic series of G.g. gorilla (n = 366) and G. g. beringei (n = 43). Statistical analyses reveal mountain gorillas exhibit significantly (P < 0.05) greater spine lengths and scapula breadths and smaller scapula lengths than lowland gorillas of comparable superior border lengths. However, at comparable body weights, mountain gorillas exhibit significantly shorter spines and superior borders than lowland gorillas. These differences in scapula proportions are evaluated in the context of biomechanical predictions regarding scapula form and locomotion.

Animals↗

The effect of scapula taping on electromyographic activity and musical performance in professional violinists.

Taping the scapula has been suggested as a method of improving both scapula position and muscular efficiency of the shoulder girdle. These factors have been linked to neck and arm problems in violinists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of taping the scapulae of violinists into a position that prevented excessive elevation and protraction whilst playing. Eight professional violinists played three different musical excerpts with and without scapula taping applied in random order. Electromyographic activity was recorded from the upper trapezii, the scapula retractors and the right sternocleidomastoid muscles. Performances were recorded onto videotape and audiocassette, and self-report data collected for later analysis. Compared with the control condition, scapula taping increased electromyographic activity in the left upper trapezius muscle during playing by 49% as an overall effect, with a 60% increase in the most physically demanding piece played. Lower music quality was detected in the same piece by raters blinded to performance conditions. Taping also had significant negative effects on subjects' reports of concentration and comfort. Short-term application of scapula taping did not enhance selected scapula stabilising muscles during playing and was not well tolerated by professional violinists.

Analysis of Variance↗

Scapula length measurement for assessment of fetal growth and development.

To determine the value of prenatal ultrasonographic scapula measurements for fetal growth and development as an adjunct to assessing in utero development, a prospective study of ultrasonography was conducted in 343 pregnant women with uneventful pregnancies with gestational ages from 16 to 41 weeks, and several biometric measurements were obtained. The relationships of scapula length with gestational age and with biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal circumference and scapula length were examined. With the ultrasonographic examinations of 343 healthy pregnant women, a nomogram of scapula length measurements estimating gestational age and predicting the biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length was generated. Linear relationships were found between the scapula length and the gestational age (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.0001), the biparietal diameter (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.0001), abdominal circumference (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.0001), and the femur length (R2 = 0.95, p < 0.0001). The rate of increase of scapula length was significantly higher before 28 weeks of gestation than in later pregnancy (p < 0.0001). The correlation coefficients between gestational age and scapula length were 0.95 before 28 weeks of gestation and 0.86 in later weeks. These results suggest that scapula length measurement is a valuable parameter for the assessment of fetal growth and development.

Abdomen↗

[The morphogenesis of the scapula of Tupaia belangeri].

The therian scapula was until now thought to show very primitive features during early morphogenesis, as are found in the scapula of adult monotremes (elevated position of the scapula, lack of a spina and a fossa supraspinata, laterally directed cavitas glenoidalis). A morphogenetic study of the scapula of Tupaia belangeri has proved some of these assumptions to be wrong. The scapula undergoes a tilting which shifts its angulus articularis cranially, but no descent of the scapula could be found. The supraspinous fossa, which was supposed to develop very late in ontogeny from the anterior border of the scapula (Lewis 1902, Cheng 1955), is present in Tapaiai from the start. Part of it ossifies in membrane. The scapular spine does not develop as a cartilaginous outgrowth from the anterior border, but is formed mainly as an appositional bone along the lateral surface of the scapula. The glenoid cavity and the humerus are initially directed laterally. They attain their definitive form after the heart has migrated downward and the arms have been adducted. This represents a true plesiomorphous character state in therian ontogeny.

Animals↗

The snapping scapula in association with the thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thirteen of 100 patients treated for thoracic outlet syndrome by first-rib resection postoperatively developed an associated painful superior angle of the scapula, or snapping scapula syndrome. The scapula angle was painful in 15 scapulas and the pain persisted in these 13 patients. Resection of the superior angle of the scapula was performed on 9 patients (11 snapping scapulas) with complete relief of symptoms. We propose that snapping scapula syndrome be considered a causative factor for apparent failure of thoracic outlet surgery.

Adult↗

Anatomo-experimental study for lace fixation of winged scapula in muscular dystrophy.

Winging of the scapula is one of the major features of the rare facio-scapulo-humeral muscular dystrophy. Several methods of retention and fixation of the scapulae have been published, but most have technical disadvantages or complications. A modified method of operative fixation of the scapula to the chest using three polyester laces is described with the results of cadaveric studies on the stability of this system. In order to determine the optimal region for the scapula fixation using polyester laces we performed pull-out tests on twenty cadaver scapulae. Four points of insertion in the inferior part of the scapula were tested. The lateral margin showed the best results with regard to the tensile strength and the morphology of the resulting fractures. The elongation of the laces was measured as well. Compared to scapulothoracic arthrodesis interscapulo-scapulocostal scapulopexy leads to greater preserved mobility between the scapula and the chest wall and conserves vital capacity.

Adolescent↗

Comparative densitometric study of iliac crest and scapula bone in relation to osseous integrated dental implants in microvascular mandibular reconstruction.

The study was designed to compare dimension and density of four frequently used bone donor regions (the iliac crest, the lateral border of the scapula, the radius and the fibula) with regard to placement of endosseous dental implants in microvascular mandibular reconstruction. The first part of the study reports on the results of bone dimension and density findings for iliac crest and scapula bone. Nearly all of the iliac crests had adequate dimensions for the positioning of four 10 mm implants. In 63% of the scapulae, it was possible to place four 10 mm implants. In the case of the scapula, half of the female subjects lacked enough available bone for the insertion of four 10 mm implants because of their inadequate width. Bone density and cortical thickness was found to be similar in the iliac crest and scapula. Age and side do not have an important influence on cortical bone dimensions and density. In contrast to the iliac crest, the lateral margin of the scapula astonishingly showed increasing values for bone density and increasing thickness of the cortex. Analogical advanced biological age works in conformity with the scapula flap. The results could, together with other clinical criteria, contribute to the choice of the best individual alternative in mandibular reconstruction.

Adult↗

The role of the scapula in athletic shoulder function.

The exact role and the function of the scapula are misunderstood in many clinical situations. This lack of awareness often translates into incomplete evaluation and diagnosis of shoulder problems. In addition, scapular rehabilitation is often ignored. Recent research, however, has demonstrated a pivotal role for the scapula in shoulder function, shoulder injury, and shoulder rehabilitation. This knowledge will help the physician to provide more comprehensive care for the athlete. This "Current Concepts" review will address the anatomy of the scapula, the roles that the scapula plays in overhead throwing and serving activities, the normal biomechanics of the scapula, abnormal biomechanics and physiology of the scapula, how the scapula may function in injuries that occur around the shoulder, and treatment and rehabilitation of scapular problems.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Fracture of the body, neck, or spine of the scapula. A long-term follow-up study.

Fractures of the scapula are often considered benign lesions with a favorable outcome. The aim of the current study was to analyze the long-term results after fracture of the muscle-covered parts of the scapula: its body, neck, and spine. Sixty-eight patients were available for clinical examination 14 years after they had sustained a fracture of the scapula. The fractures had been treated with immobilization and early active motion. The follow-up rating was based on patient satisfaction and shoulder motion. Fifty-one patients were rated good, 15 were rated fair, and two were rated poor. Forty-eight shoulders were roentgenographically reexamined. Fourteen had a moderate and six had a pronounced deformity of the scapula. Scapula deformity was associated with pain in eight of the shoulders. The results of the current study suggest that the long-term course after fracture of the scapula is not uniformly favorable. Fifty percent of the patients with residual scapula deformity have shoulder symptoms. In most cases, however, the shoulder disablement is slight or moderate.

Adolescent↗

Radiographic and geometric anatomy of the scapula.

In an effort to study anatomic parameters of the scapula that may be of clinical importance, scapulae were harvested from cadavers and stripped of their soft tissues. For each scapula, three roentgenograms then were obtained: a Y-scapular view, an axillary lateral view, and a glenoid fossa (or true anteroposterior) view. Computed tomographic pneumoarthrograms and randomly selected antero-posterior chest roentgenograms of skeletally mature adults were studied also to measure further roentgenographic parameters of the normal scapula. The geometric anatomy of the scapula is of fundamental importance in the pathomechanics of rotator cuff disease, total shoulder arthroplasty, and recurrent shoulder dislocation. This study presents in detail the exact geometry of scapula anatomy, giving precise figures for distances, angles, and radii of curvature of the scapula. All results then are discussed in terms of their clinical relevance to the above problems.

Arthrography↗

A cadaveric study of the motor nerves to the levator scapulae muscle.

Understanding the surgical anatomic relationships of the motor nerves to the levator scapulae muscle is imperative for reducing postoperative shoulder dysfunction in patients undergoing neck dissection. To elucidate this relevant anatomy, cervical (C3, C4) and brachial (C5 via dorsal scapular nerve) plexi contributions to the levator scapulae were assessed with respect to posterior triangle landmarks in 37 human cadaveric necks. An average of approximately 2 (actual 1.92) nerves from the cervical plexus (range 1 to 4 nerves) emerged from beneath the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in a cephalad to caudad progression to enter the posterior triangle of the neck on their way to innervating the levator scapulae. These cervical plexus contributions exhibited a fairly regular relationship to the emergence of cranial nerve XI and the punctum nervosum along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After emerging from the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid to enter the posterior triangle of the neck, cervical plexus contributions to the levator scapulae traveled for a variable distance posteriorly and inferiorly, sometimes branching or coming together. Ultimately these nerves crossed the anterior border of the levator scapulae as 1 to 3 nerves (average 1.94) in a regular superior to inferior progression. The dorsal scapular nerve from the brachial plexus exhibited highly variable anatomic relations in the inferior aspect of the posterior triangle, and was found to penetrate or give branches to the levator scapulae in only 11 of 35 neck specimens. We have found that the levator scapulae receives predictable motor supply from the cervical plexus. Our data elucidate surgical anatomy useful to head and neck surgeons.

Aged↗

Effects of ontogeny and sexual dimorphism on scapula morphology in the mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei).

Scapular measurements were obtained from growth series of the sexually dimorphic mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei). Juveniles, subadults, and adults were compared to determine if scapula morphology varies with age. Analyses reveal significant (P < 0.05) differences in scapula form for shape ratios of length vs. breadth, length vs. infraspinous fossa length, and length vs. spine length. Males and females were also compared to determine if sexual dimorphism in scapula morphology is a consequence of differential extension of common patterns of relative growth. Analyses reveal that scapula proportions are ontogenetically scaled. Data indicate that male scapulae grow at a faster rate and for a longer duration than females. Results of comparisons of males and females suggest that unique adaptations to different ecological niches have not evolved between the sexes despite sexual differences in frequency of patterns of locomotor behavior. By contrast, age-related variation in scapula morphology may be linked to differences in locomotor behavior during ontogeny.

Age Factors↗