Quantitative CT analysis of the upper extremity, together with the histologic structure and gene expression profile of bone harvested from the proximal humerus during shoulder arthroplasty, will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the bone of the shoulder girdle. This knowledge can be used to improve risk assessment, prevention, and management of scapular spine and acromial fractures that complicate reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. To test this hypothesis, we propose the following specific aims.

AIM 1: Standardize the clinical assessment of the bone mineral density of the proximal humerus and scapula using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). To do this we will: (A) Develop a QCT protocol for measurement of bone mineral density of the proximal humerus and scapula from standard-of-care CT imaging studies. (B) Retrospectively compare QCT measurements of the proximal humerus and scapula with DEXA results at the hip and spine performed in the same patients.

AIM 2: Characterize the cellular and molecular biology of bone harvested from the proximal humerus of patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. To do this we will: (A) Determine feasibility of histologic analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing performed on bone harvested from the proximal humerus at the time of shoulder arthroplasty. (B) Correlate cellular and molecular profiles of harvested samples with QCT measurements obtained from standard-of-care pre-operative CT imaging in Aim 1.

2024-07-01

2025-07-01