Background: An understanding of variations in normal anatomy of the glenoid cavity is a prerequisites for better understanding of the mechanics of shoulder joint and shoulder joint arthroplasty. 

Aim: The aim of this osteological study was to do a complete morphometry of glenoid cavity in an adult North–Indian population and to establish its possible surgical implications.

Materials and Methods: A total of 206 adult dry undamaged scapulae (106 left side, 100 right side) were selected from the osteology museum of Department of Anatomy, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. The shapes of the glenoid were evaluated. All the linear measurements were taken by using digital vernier caliper. The glenoid version angle was calculated by using ImageJ software.

Statistical Analysis: The comparison of morphometric values of the two sides was carried out by using student’s t–test in SPSS version 17. Statistical significance of  p value ≤ 0.05 was taken.

Results: The present study showed the pear shaped glenoid cavity was the most common type. The average supero–inferior diameter on right and the left sides were 35.94 ±2.30 mm and 35.68 ±2.14 mm respectively. The mean antero–posterior diameter–1 of the right glenoid was 24.37 ±2.34 mm and on left it was 24.20 ±2.28 mm. The right mean antero–posterior diameter–2 was 16.62 ±2.82 mm while on left it was 16.14 ±2.84mm. The right and left mean glenoid cavity index were found to be 66.94 ±6.46% and 68.04 ±4.66% respectively. The right glenoid cavity was found to be significantly more retroverted than left.

Conclusion The sound knowledge of various parameters of glenoid cavity is important for the anatomists, anthropologists, orthopaedicians and prosthetists.