The preoperative CT scans were uploaded into the Materialise’s
Interactive Medical Image Control System (Mimics) software
(Ann Arbor, MI) to create 3D models of the scapula. The
creation of 3D models using Mimics has previously been validated.
7 Mimics is a 3D image processing and editing software that
generates 3D computer-aided design models from CT or magnetic
resonance imaging data. The superior-inferior and anteriorposterior
dimensions of each preoperative glenoid were measured
on the 3D model and used to calculate the glenoid face surface
area. The glenoid face was assumed to be in the shape of an ellipse
to estimate its surface area. The formula for calculating the
surface area of an ellipse is [p (1/2)a (1/2)b] where a is the
length of the major axis (superior-inferior glenoid face) and b is
the length of minor axis (anterior-posterior glenoid face).