- Mostly we assess humeral subluxation by subjectively assessing the position of the humeral head.
- But there is a more reproducible way to do it.
- The Scapulohumeral arch which is also called the Gothic Arch or Moloney’s line.
- Normally the inferior margin of the scapula and the medial humerus form a smooth curve.
- This smooth curve is called the Scapulohumeral arch. It refers to the relationship of the inferior margin of the scapula and humerus.
- If this arch is not disrupted, there is no subluxation.
Image Above: Normal smooth line formed by inferior scapular margin and medial humerus indicates no inferior humeral subluxation.
- If there is disruption to this curve, its a marker of subluxation of the humeral head.
- This disruption can also be seen in posterior dislocations.
The line formed by the humerus will lie inferior to the line formed by the scapula.
Image Above: Break in the arch formed by the humerus and scapula. Bone fragments under blue line from a Bony Bankart lesion.
The line formed by the humerus will lie superior to the line formed by the scapula.
Image Above: Break in the arch formed by the humerus and scapula with superior subluxation of the humerus.
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