Metric Dimensions of the Glenoid Fossa in Urhobo's of South Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the dimensions of the glenoid fossa of the scapula in south southern Nigerians and to compare the findings with those of other populations. This study involved 48 scapulae (24 right and 24 left) obtained from the Delta State University, College of Health Sciences, Anatomy Department. Results of this study showed that the mean maximum length of the glenoid fossa was 2.43+0.10cm (left) and 3.47+0.21cm(right) while the breadth was 2.43+0.09cm (left) and 2.45+0.10cm (right). There was no significant difference between the lengths of left and right sides and the breadth of the right and left sides of both scapulae at 0.05 levels of significance. The difference between the breadth and length of their scapulae of either side was however significant (p < 0.05). A difference between the glenoid cavity dimensions of Nigerians and those of Americans, Guatemalans and Germans was observed. The glenoid cavity of the scapula has been known to exhibit sexual dimorphism which is of significant import in forensic studies. More importantly is its usefulness in demonstrating bilateral symmetry and in differentiating population types as was observed in this study.