Os acromiale: evaluation of markers for identification on sagittal and coronal oblique MR images

An os acromiale is a developmental abnormality of ossification involving the anterior acromion which may contribute to impingement and rotator cuff disease. When axial MR sections do not include the acromioclavicular joint, the diagnosis of this often subtle abnormality will rest on its recognition on oblique and coronal and sagittal images where it mimics the acromioclavicular joint. The identification of this anomaly is important as it frequently alters the type of surgical procedure utilized in symptomatic patients. We evaluate several imaging features which may be used to diagnose an os acromiale in these cases.