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Published on: February 10, 2015
Anatomic variance of the coracoclavicular ligaments
R I Harris1, D H Vu, D H Sonnabend
1Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Hospital, and the School of Anatomy, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, Australia.
The coracoclavicular ligaments show significant anatomical variation, impacting surgical procedures. Understanding these variations, like conoid ligament types, is crucial for safe distal clavicle resection in shoulder injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic anatomy
- Human cadaveric studies
- Surgical anatomy
Background:
- Coracoclavicular ligaments are vital for shoulder stability.
- Existing anatomical descriptions of these ligaments lack detail and contain discrepancies.
- Variations in coracoclavicular ligament anatomy can complicate surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meticulously examine the complex anatomy of the coracoclavicular ligaments.
- To quantify geometric dimensions and identify inter-specimen variations.
- To relate ligamentous anatomy to clinically significant bony landmarks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 24 fresh human cadaveric shoulder specimens.
- Detailed measurement of coracoclavicular ligament dimensions (13 measurements).
- Assessment of coracoid insertions and relationships with adjacent structures.
Main Results:
- High variance observed in conoid ligament coracoid insertions (33% confluent with superior transverse scapular ligament).
- 15% of specimens showed an additional lateral fascicle.
- Identified three new conoid ligament variants (Types I, II, III) and an average distance of 15.3 mm from trapezoid ligament to distal clavicle.
Conclusions:
- The coracoclavicular ligaments exhibit significant anatomical variability.
- A 15 mm safety margin for distal clavicle resection is proposed to protect these ligaments in acromioclavicular joint injuries.
- Classification of conoid ligament variants aids in understanding anatomical differences.
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