Related Experiment Videos
Relationship between os acromiale and acromioclavicular joint anatomic position
Stefano Gumina1, Pierfrancesco De Santis, Matteo Salvatore
1II Orthopaedic Clinic, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy. s.gumina@tiscalinet.it
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|March 1, 2003
Summary
Os acromiale, a common finding, may be linked to acromioclavicular joint position. Greater distance between the acromioclavicular joint and acromion edge increases os acromiale likelihood.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Os acromiale occurs in 8% of individuals, often overlooked in orthopaedic literature.
- Existing research primarily focuses on clinical issues like impingement and rotator cuff tears, neglecting predisposing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential relationship between the anatomical position of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the development of os acromiale.
- To determine if AC joint positioning is a predisposing factor for os acromiale.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic analysis (axillary view) of acromions using the Edelson and Taitz method.
- Classification of acromion types based on the distance between the anterior acromion and the AC joint.
- Comparison of acromion types in a control group (211 volunteers) and a cohort with os acromiale (33 subjects).
Main Results:
- In the control group, 52.1% had the AC joint facet on the acromion tip, and 45.4% had it distally.
- In the os acromiale group, 18.1% had the AC joint on the tip, while 81.1% had it lying on or distal to the acromion tip.
- A significant association was found: the further the AC joint from the anterior acromion edge, the higher the incidence of os acromiale.
Conclusions:
- The position of the acromioclavicular joint relative to the acromion is a significant factor in the development of os acromiale.
- This finding offers insight into the etiology of os acromiale, moving beyond its clinical implications.