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Coracoclavicular joint: osteologic study of 1020 human clavicles
S Gumina1, M Salvatore, R De Santis
1Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University La Sapienza, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy. s.gumina@tiscalinet.it
Journal of Anatomy
|December 20, 2002
Summary
The coracoclavicular joint (CCJ) is rare in Italian cadavers (0.8%). Its presence correlates with higher arthritis rates in neighboring shoulder joints, suggesting it predisposes to degenerative changes.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
Background:
- The coracoclavicular joint (CCJ) is an occasional diarthrotic synovial joint between the clavicle and coracoid process.
- Its prevalence and association with joint pathology require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of the CCJ in an Italian cadaveric sample.
- To investigate the relationship between CCJ presence, clavicular morphology, and arthritis in adjacent joints.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic examination of 509 dry clavicles (out of 1020 total) from Italian cadavers.
- Measurement of clavicular length and anterior lateral curve sinuosity.
- Assessment of CCJ articular facet presence and arthritis in acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints.
Main Results:
- The CCJ articular facet was present in 0.8% of the 1020 clavicles.
- No correlation was found between clavicular length/sinuosity and CCJ presence.
- Arthritis prevalence was higher in clavicles with a CCJ compared to those without.
- CCJ prevalence was lower than reported in Asian populations.
Conclusions:
- The CCJ is uncommon in this Italian cohort and its presence is not linked to clavicular length or curvature.
- The CCJ is statistically justified as a predisposing factor for degenerative changes in neighboring shoulder joints.