The coracoclavicular joint. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Anthropology

Background:

• The coracoclavicular joint (CCJ) is an uncommon articulation in human anatomy.
• While rare, symptomatic CCJ presence requires physician awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the prevalence of the coracoclavicular joint (CCJ) across diverse ethnic populations.
• To provide accurate, evidence-based frequency data for anatomical and anthropological research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 studies (51 sub-studies) were conducted.
• Prevalence data from skeletal, cadaveric, and radiological studies were analyzed.
• Bilateral occurrence, sex, and side associations were examined.

Main Results:

• Overall CCJ prevalence was approximately 5% (skeletal), 7% (cadaveric), and 2.7% (radiological).
• Bilateral CCJ occurrence was roughly half the crude prevalence across all study types.
• Highest skeletal/cadaveric prevalence was in Eastern Asian and Native American populations; lowest in Europeans.
• Radiological studies showed lowest rates in Europeans, modern Americans, Native Americans, and South Americans.
• Chinese populations exhibited a 21% prevalence, followed by Southeast Asians at 6%.

Conclusions:

• This review provides updated, accurate prevalence rates for the coracoclavicular joint (CCJ), differentiating by study type and ancestry.
• Significant variations in CCJ frequency exist among different ethnic groups, notably higher in certain Asian and Native American populations.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering CCJ prevalence in anatomical and anthropological contexts.