Title : Anatomical variations in morphometric measurements of the coracoid process in a cross section of the sudanese population: Evaluation using chest computed tomography
Abstract:
Introduction: The coracoid process is integral to the functionality of the scapula, serving as a crucial attachment point for several muscles involved in shoulder movement and stability. In pathologies and fractures of the coracoid process, understanding the morphometric variations is essential for devising optimal surgical strategies. Given the substantial lack of relevant data, this study aimed to analyze the morphometric variations in the dimensions of the coracoid process among the Sudanese population and evaluate the differences in the measurements in relation to gender.
Methods: The study was performed on 100 images of human scapulae (50 males and 50 females). The radiographs and reports were acquired from the Radiology Department at Almoalim Medical City, Khartoum, Sudan. CT scan images were uploaded to medical imaging software (PaxeraViewer version 1.0.1.9, PaxeraHealth, Newton, MA, USA). Quantitative measurements of linear parameters were calculated via this software, and data was analysed using SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM Corp. Released 2015. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).
Results: Our study revealed that the mean measurements of the coracoid process dimensions were as follows: the length 39 ± 2.7 mm, the tip thickness 10.8 ± 1.8 mm, the base height 13 ± 1.1 mm, and the base width 22.2 ± 1.6 mm. Gender-based comparisons showed a trend towards larger parameters in males compared to females. Significant variations in the length (p = 0.03) and base height (p = 0.002) of the coracoid process were noted.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated variations in coracoid process dimensions among the Sudanese population, emphasizing gender influence. Moreover, comparisons to earlier research highlighted discrepancies across different ethnicities. Further investigation with a greater number of cases from a prospective viewpoint is needed for more compound insight into this issue.
