Identification of scapular kinematics using surface mapping: a validation study
Date
2011
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The immediate goal of this study was to develop and validate a noninvasive, computational surface mapping approach for measuring scapular kinematics by using available motion capture technology in an innovative manner. The long-term goal is to facilitate the development of individualized surgical treatment plans and rehabilitation by determining the role of the scapula in children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) and other shoulder pathologies. The population for this study consisted of fourteen healthy adults with prominent scapulae; equivalent or better results are expected with BPBP patients, due to minimal soft tissue covering their scapulae. Subject-specific scapular templates were created using the coordinates of five scapular landmarks obtained from palpation with subjects seated and arms relaxed in a neutral position. The scapular landmarks were re-palpated and their locations recorded in the six arm positions of the modified Mallet classification. The six Mallet positions were repeated to create surface maps from a grid of approximately 300 markers covering the scapula. The scapular template created in the neutral position was iteratively fit to the surface map of each grid trial, providing an estimate of the orientation of the scapula. These estimates of scapular orientation were compared to the known scapular orientation determined from the scapular landmarks palpated in each Mallet position. The magnitude of the largest mean difference about an anatomical axis between the two measures of scapular orientation was 3.8̊ with an RMS error of 5.9̊, which is an improvement upon existing non-invasive methods of measuring scapular kinematics.