IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Glenohumeral dysplasia secondary to brachial plexus birth palsy

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Left brachial plexus palsy.

Patient Data

Age: 3 years
Gender: Female

The MRI sequences demonstrate a deformity of both the glenoid cavity and the humeral head. The glenoid appears flat with loss of its posterior margin (most likely the result the pressure from the humeral head). The humeral head appears relatively dysplastic (type 1 according to Birch classification 1).

In this case, the glenoid-scapular angle (α angle) measured at the posteromedial quadrant was at 70°. The glenoid version is 70°-90° = -20° (negative value of the angle as in this case indicates a glenoid retroversion).

About two-thirds of the humeral head is posterior to the scapular line indicating posterior dislocation.

The gleno-scapular angle (α angle) is measured in the posteromedial quadrant, formed by two lines. The first line is drawn between the anterior and posterior aspect of the glenoid margins and the second line crossing the previous line at the midpoint of the glenoid cavity. The glenoid version corresponds to the α angle (70° in this case) followed by subtraction of 90° from its value. A negative value of that angle indicates a glenoid retroversion, while a positive value indicates an anteversion 1

Case Discussion

Case of glenoid and humeral head dysplasia with posterior dislocation of the humeral head secondary to a brachial plexus birth palsy.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.