BACKGROUND: The occurrence of fractures and risks following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is common due to the variation of scapular spine (SS). Therefore, the consideration of the variable osteological features of SS prior to surgery may prove to be significant for the implementation of rTSA. This study aimed to propose a classification of SS through particular and quantitative parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 354 intact dry scapulae were geometrical measured and classified on account of anatomical characteristics and the shapes of SS.

RESULTS: Type I SS was found, and this was the most frequency was type (27.97%). The least common type was type II. The type of SS had a direct association with bone stock and bone mineral density. Type II represented an association with a much thinner spine and restricted cortical and cancellous bone; types II and V were also associated with a crooked SS, which had a more complex morphology.

CONCLUSIONS: This study offered a comprehensive classification of SS in the Chinese population. On the whole, this study indicates that knowledge of the morphological variations of SS can prompt the diagnosis of scapular fractures and can promote more successful rTSA procedures, and the relative clinical trial is necessary to support it.

Keywords: Anatomic Landmarks, Classification, Fractures, Bone, Scapula, anatomic variation, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Shoulder, Asians, Range of Motion, Articular, Reoperation, Shoulder Fractures, Shoulder Joint