Measurement of the Humeral Retroversion Angle Using a Simple X-ray Pictorial Image

The semi-axial-view method is used to measure humeral retroversion angles by a single x-ray exposure. We examined the clinical utility of this method using a humerus model and normal volunteers. In an experiment with a humerus model, humeral retroversion angles were measured at various positioning angles by the semi-axial-view method, and compared with the angles measured by the CT method, which is considered the standard, and the best position was determined. The upper arms of three volunteers were photographed by the semi-axial-view method in the most suitable position, and humeral retroversion angles were compared with those obtained by the CT method. As a result of examination with a humerus model, the best positioning angles were 20 degrees of shoulder abduction angle, 90 degrees of shoulder flexion angle, and 90 degrees of elbow flexion angle. There were no significant differences between the humeral retroversion angles of the CT and semi-axial-view methods with the best position determined in volunteers. In conclusion, the semi-axial-view method is a useful, easy method for measuring the humeral retroversion angle. This method will be a great asset in researching large numbers of samples.