BACKGROUND: Anterior glenoid bone defects significantly influence surgical outcomes in shoulder instability cases. Various measurement methods based on 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) have been developed. Recently, the simple linear formula method, which establishes a correlation between glenoid height and width, has emerged as a promising technique. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the differences in glenoid morphology between patients with anterior shoulder instability and healthy controls within a specific East Asian population (Han Chinese). The objectives included establishing linear formulas specific to both groups and comparing the efficacy of the simple linear formula method with traditional methods for measuring glenoid defects using 3D-CT. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis)
Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: 3D-CT images of both the affected and unaffected shoulders of patients with anterior shoulder instability, as well as one shoulder of healthy controls, were analyzed. Glenoid height and width were measured, and linear formulas were established for this specific Han Chinese population. RESULTS: There were 206 patients in the patient group and 206 participants in the healthy control group. In the patient group, the mean glenoid height and width of the unaffected shoulders were 35.21 ± 3.39 and 24.26 ± 2.74 mm, respectively (formula: W = 0.75H - 2.12
CONCLUSION: Glenoid morphology in patients with anterior shoulder instability, particularly among male patients, was characterized by elongation and narrowing compared with healthy participants. The simple linear formula method demonstrated excellent reliability and accuracy, comparable with traditional methods, offering an efficient approach to measuring glenoid defects. Further validation across diverse populations is warranted.