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The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports... Mar 2018In 1972, American orthopaedic surgeon Charles Neer published his seminal paper, "Anterior Acromioplasty for the Chronic Impingement Syndrome in the Shoulder: A...
In 1972, American orthopaedic surgeon Charles Neer published his seminal paper, "Anterior Acromioplasty for the Chronic Impingement Syndrome in the Shoulder: A Preliminary Report." It wasn't a robust scientific paper; however, it changed the direction of orthopaedic practice for the next half century. Neer argued that a primary cause of shoulder pain was attrition of the supraspinatus tendon and related structures from the overlying acromion, especially when the arm was elevated. Neer recommended surgical removal to stop the impingement, and over the last half century, it could be argued that millions of people around the globe would have undergone acromioplasty surgery to stop this portion of the bone impinging onto the soft tissues located in the subacromial space. More recently, against the tide of subacromial decompression surgery there has been dissent, and the relationship between the acromion and symptoms has been challenged. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(3):127-129. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0102.
Topics: Acromion; Arthroplasty; Decompression, Surgical; Humans; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
PubMed: 29490599
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2018.0102 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Dec 2019
Topics: Acromion; Arthroplasty; Humans; Rotator Cuff; Shoulder Pain
PubMed: 31694802
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.10.002 -
Lancet (London, England) Jan 2018Arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression (decompressing the sub-acromial space by removing bone spurs and soft tissue arthroscopically) is a common surgery for... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for subacromial shoulder pain (CSAW): a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel group, placebo-controlled, three-group, randomised surgical trial.
BACKGROUND
Arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression (decompressing the sub-acromial space by removing bone spurs and soft tissue arthroscopically) is a common surgery for subacromial shoulder pain, but its effectiveness is uncertain. We did a study to assess its effectiveness and to investigate the mechanism for surgical decompression.
METHODS
We did a multicentre, randomised, pragmatic, parallel group, placebo-controlled, three-group trial at 32 hospitals in the UK with 51 surgeons. Participants were patients who had subacromial pain for at least 3 months with intact rotator cuff tendons, were eligible for arthroscopic surgery, and had previously completed a non-operative management programme that included exercise therapy and at least one steroid injection. Exclusion criteria included a full-thickness torn rotator cuff. We randomly assigned participants (1:1:1) to arthroscopic subacromial decompression, investigational arthroscopy only, or no treatment (attendance of one reassessment appointment with a specialist shoulder clinician 3 months after study entry, but no intervention). Arthroscopy only was a placebo as the essential surgical element (bone and soft tissue removal) was omitted. We did the randomisation with a computer-generated minimisation system. In the surgical intervention groups, patients were not told which type of surgery they were receiving (to ensure masking). Patients were followed up at 6 months and 1 year after randomisation; surgeons coordinated their waiting lists to schedule surgeries as close as possible to randomisation. The primary outcome was the Oxford Shoulder Score (0 [worst] to 48 [best]) at 6 months, analysed by intention to treat. The sample size calculation was based upon a target difference of 4·5 points (SD 9·0). This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01623011.
FINDINGS
Between Sept 14, 2012, and June 16, 2015, we randomly assigned 313 patients to treatment groups (106 to decompression surgery, 103 to arthroscopy only, and 104 to no treatment). 24 [23%], 43 [42%], and 12 [12%] of the decompression, arthroscopy only, and no treatment groups, respectively, did not receive their assigned treatment by 6 months. At 6 months, data for the Oxford Shoulder Score were available for 90 patients assigned to decompression, 94 to arthroscopy, and 90 to no treatment. Mean Oxford Shoulder Score did not differ between the two surgical groups at 6 months (decompression mean 32·7 points [SD 11·6] vs arthroscopy mean 34·2 points [9·2]; mean difference -1·3 points (95% CI -3·9 to 1·3, p=0·3141). Both surgical groups showed a small benefit over no treatment (mean 29·4 points [SD 11·9], mean difference vs decompression 2·8 points [95% CI 0·5-5·2], p=0·0186; mean difference vs arthroscopy 4·2 [1·8-6·6], p=0·0014) but these differences were not clinically important. There were six study-related complications that were all frozen shoulders (in two patients in each group).
INTERPRETATION
Surgical groups had better outcomes for shoulder pain and function compared with no treatment but this difference was not clinically important. Additionally, surgical decompression appeared to offer no extra benefit over arthroscopy only. The difference between the surgical groups and no treatment might be the result of, for instance, a placebo effect or postoperative physiotherapy. The findings question the value of this operation for these indications, and this should be communicated to patients during the shared treatment decision-making process.
FUNDING
Arthritis Research UK, the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, and the Royal College of Surgeons (England).
Topics: Acromion; Adult; Arthroscopy; Decompression, Surgical; England; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteophyte; Shoulder Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29169668
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32457-1 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2020To determine whether subacromial space (i.e. acromiohumeral distance; AHD, and/or occupation ratio percentage) differs between people with subacromial pain syndrome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To determine whether subacromial space (i.e. acromiohumeral distance; AHD, and/or occupation ratio percentage) differs between people with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) and those without. To investigate whether there is a correlation between subacromial space and pain or disability in adults with SAPS and whether temporal changes in pain or disability are accompanied by changes in subacromial space. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Fifteen studies with a total of 775 participants were included. Twelve studies were of high quality and three studies were of moderate quality using the modified Black and Downs checklist. There was no between group difference in AHD in neutral shoulder position (mean difference [95% CI] 0.28 [-0.13 to 0.69] mm), shoulder abduction at 45° (-0.02 [-0.99 to 0.96] mm) or 60° (-0.20 [-0.61 to 0.20] mm). Compared to the control group, a greater occupation ratio in neutral shoulder position was demonstrated in participants with SAPS (5.14 [1.87 to 8.4] %). There was no consistent pattern regarding the correlation between AHD and pain or disability in participants with SAPS, and no consistent increase in subacromial space with improvement in pain or disability over time. The results suggest that surgical (e.g. sub-acromial decompression) and non-surgical (e.g. manual therapy, taping, stretching and strengthening) management of subacromial pain syndrome should not focus solely on addressing a potential decrease in subacromial space, but also on the importance of other biopsychosocial factors.
Topics: Acromion; Humans; Shoulder; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Pain
PubMed: 33244115
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76704-z -
The Journal of the American Academy of... Nov 2018Management of a persistently symptomatic, unstable os acromiale remains controversial. An unstable os acromiale is an easy diagnosis to miss and should be specifically... (Review)
Review
Management of a persistently symptomatic, unstable os acromiale remains controversial. An unstable os acromiale is an easy diagnosis to miss and should be specifically evaluated for in patients with shoulder pain and a high degree of clinical suspicion. Surgical options include open or arthroscopic excision and open reduction and internal fixation. Open excision of large fragments has had poor results. Arthroscopic treatment is commonly used for small fragments (preacromion), and the technique has also been used in larger fragments (meso-os), but concerns persist over postoperative weakness secondary to shortening of the deltoid lever arm. Open reduction and internal fixation through a transacromial approach has been shown to have predictable union rates but can be complicated by symptomatic implant. Recent biomechanical studies have expanded our understanding of optimal fixation constructs, which may also decrease implant-related issues. Ultimately, the choice of which procedure to use will be dictated by patient factors such as age, activity level, and the nature of rotator cuff pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level V.
Topics: Acromion; Arthroscopy; Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Orthopedic Procedures; Radiography; Shoulder Pain
PubMed: 30199476
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00011 -
Orthopaedic Surgery Oct 2019Os acromiale is a developmental defect which results from the lack of an osseous union between the ossification centers of the acromion, leading to the... (Review)
Review
Os acromiale is a developmental defect which results from the lack of an osseous union between the ossification centers of the acromion, leading to the fibrocartilaginous tissue connection. The prevalence of os acromiale is 1% to 15%, and is quite common in the African American population. Os acromiale in adults is easily diagnosed by symptoms and X-ray, particularly on the axillary view; however, the differential diagnosis of adolescents may require MRI or SPECT-CT. Generally, nonoperative therapy for symptomatic os acromiale should be started, including physiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and injections. Surgical treatment is indicated after failed conservative treatment. In symptomatic patients with fixable acromiale, the tension band technique should be used to make the anterior aspect of the acromion elevated from the humerus head. In patients with small fragments which are unsuitable for reattachment, excision might be the best therapeutic option and lead to good outcomes. Whether using internal fixation or resection, the arthroscopic technique results in a better outcome and fewer complications, especially in older patients or athletes with overhead movement, because of the high incidence of shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears which can be treated concurrently.
Topics: Acromion; Arthroscopy; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Internal Fixators; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Radiography
PubMed: 31486589
DOI: 10.1111/os.12518 -
Cureus Aug 2023Introduction Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common shoulder disorder characterized by pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It is...
Introduction Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is a common shoulder disorder characterized by pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It is frequently attributed to the compression or impingement of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa between the humeral head and the acromion process of the scapula during arm elevation. Subacromial impingement syndrome may arise as a result of the morphology of the acromion process, a bony protrusion at the top of the scapula that is important in the biomechanics of the shoulder joint. In order to detect potential anatomical differences that can predispose people to subacromial impingement syndrome, medical professionals and researchers need to have a thorough understanding of the morphometry and morphology of the acromion process. Aims and objectives The aim of the present study was to measure the morphometric and morphological characteristics of the acromion process in dried human scapulae that belonged to the North Indian population. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out on 120 undamaged adult human scapula, of which 52 belonged to the right side and 68 belonged to the left side. Our study focused on analyzing the morphology of the acromion process as well as determining its maximum length, maximum breadth, acromio-coracoid distance, acromio-glenoid distance, and thickness. A statistical analysis of the observed parameters was carried out using the chi-square test and independent t-test with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) 24.0. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 (if the P-value ≤ 0.05, it is significant). Results We observed that the quadrangular shape (51.67%) of the acromion process was most commonly reported in our study, while the tubular (9.99%) shape was the least common. The difference in the incidences of various shapes of the acromion process on the right and left sides of the scapula was found to be statistically significant (p-value ≤ 0.05). In this study, the curved or type II acromion process was the most common type (53.34%) observed, while the least common shape reported was the hooked type (18.33%). The average length of the right acromion process was 44.52±6.61 mm, and the left acromion process was 45.13±6.35 mm. For the breadth, the right acromion had an average value of 28.31±4.67 mm, while the left had an average of 28.34±4.92 mm. The thickness of the right acromion measured 7.10±1.73 mm, and the left acromion was 7.53±1.44 mm. The acromio-coracoid distance on the right side was 34.59 ± 6.47 mm, and the left side was 37.46±6.22 mm. The acromio-glenoid distance was measured to be 32.31±5.87 mm on the right side and 33.18±5.39 mm on the left side. Conclusions Planning and carrying out an acromioplasty require an understanding of the morphometric parameters of the acromion process. Although there is a paucity of research on its morphometric evaluation in the North Indian population, the surgeons would be able to use these data as a reference.
PubMed: 37779751
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44329 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... Aug 2017Chondroblastoma (CB) is a rare benign tumor that occurs most commonly in the second decade of life. No studies on CB in adulthood have been reported. Our purposes were...
PURPOSE
Chondroblastoma (CB) is a rare benign tumor that occurs most commonly in the second decade of life. No studies on CB in adulthood have been reported. Our purposes were to report a single-institution experience on CB in adults and to discuss the clinical and imaging findings, type of treatment, oncologic and functional outcomes.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
All patients diagnosed and treated for CB from 1981 to 2014 were reviewed. The main inclusion criterion was patients above their 30 years of age at diagnosis. Clinical presentation, imaging, surgical treatment, complications and functional outcome were evaluated. Local recurrences were recorded.
RESULTS
There were 15 males (65%) and 8 females (35%) with a mean age of 40 years (range 30-59 years). Tumor involved the small bones (talus, calcaneus, acromion, cuneiform, metatarsals) in 15 patients (65%) and the long bones in eight patients (35%). Treatment consisted of curettage only (6 cases), curettage plus phenol (13 cases), curettage plus radiotherapy (one patient with vertebral tumor), resection (two patients with CB of the acromion) and chopart amputation (one patient with a metatarsal tumor). At a mean follow-up of 8.4 years (range 3-30 years), twenty patients (87%) remained continuously disease-free, whereas three had local recurrences. None of the patients received chemotherapy.
CONCLUSION
This study confirms that the occurrence and outcome of adult patients with CB are similar with those affecting younger patients. The main difference consists of the involved bones; flat bones and short tubular bones of the foot, especially the talus and calcaneus, are most commonly involved as opposed to long tubular bones.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic study, level IV-1 (case series).
Topics: Acromion; Adult; Bone Neoplasms; Bones of Lower Extremity; Chondroblastoma; Curettage; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Humerus; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Postoperative Complications; Radiography; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Treatment Outcome; Walking
PubMed: 28634924
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-017-1996-7 -
Operative Orthopadie Und Traumatologie Oct 2016Coracoacromial ligament release to widen the subacromial space, resection of the anterior undersurface of the acromion and, if needed, caudal exophytes at the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Coracoacromial ligament release to widen the subacromial space, resection of the anterior undersurface of the acromion and, if needed, caudal exophytes at the acromioclavicular joint.
INDICATIONS
All types of outlet impingement after 3 months of conservative treatment.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Impingement syndrome with instability/muscular imbalance, massive rotator cuff tear, unstable os acromionale, posterior-superior impingement, joint infection, freezing phase of a secondary frozen shoulder.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Lateral decubitus position with traction device for the arm. Diagnostic arthroscopy of the glenohumeral joint via standard portals. With arthroscope moved to the subacromial space, bursectomy, electrosurgical release of coracoacromial ligament, resection of acromial hook through standard posterior portal.
POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
Physiotherapy or self-exercises on postoperative day 1, pain-adapted analgesia to avoid shoulder stiffness.
RESULTS
Several studies present positive long-term results compared to conservative treatment (and open acromioplasty) for partial rotator cuff tears and for elderly patients. With a 20-year follow-up, successful results have been achieved for all patients with isolated impingement syndrome.
Topics: Acromioclavicular Joint; Acromion; Adolescent; Arthroscopy; Child; Decompression, Surgical; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Male; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; Shoulder Joint; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27259482
DOI: 10.1007/s00064-016-0450-z -
Folia Morphologica 2022Due to its many variations, the scapula is among the most frequently examined bones. Especially the acromion can be of different shapes and sizes. Measurements of the...
BACKGROUND
Due to its many variations, the scapula is among the most frequently examined bones. Especially the acromion can be of different shapes and sizes. Measurements of the morphometric structures in the shoulder joint make it easier to explain the cause of the various shoulder problems. The objective of this study is putting emphasis on the importance of acromion types, os acromiale presence and acromial morphometric measurements in the aetiology and diagnosis of shoulder pain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study, based on 100 patients of both genders who presented with the complaints of shoulder pain and underwent magnetic resonance imaging, was conducted. Within this scope, types of acromion, slope of acromion, length of acromion, length of coracoid process, the distance between acromion and coracoid process, lateral acromial angle (LAA), critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromial index (AI) and acromiohumeral distance were measured. The data were analysed considering the gender and acromion types and the presence of os acromiale is investigated.
RESULTS
The most common acromion was type II (curved) (frequency rate 62%) while the rate of type I (flat) and type III (hooked) acromions were 21% and 17%, respectively. The length of acromion and coracoid process were found to be significantly longer in males, while no significant difference between genders in terms of the distance between acromion and coracoid process were observed. Furthermore, while negative correlation between LAA and AI as well as LAA and CSA were observed; positive correlation between AI and CSA was found. In addition, there was negative correlation between slope of acromion and acromiohumeral distance. Besides, acromiohumeral distance was significantly higher in males. Regarding the presence of os acromiale, it was observed in 3 women out of 59 and 2 men out of 41, which indicated no significant difference between genders.
CONCLUSIONS
It is evaluated that the morphometric measurement is of importance in contributing clinically in distinguishing the problems that may occur according to gender and acromion types.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Shoulder; Retrospective Studies; Shoulder Pain; Acromion; Scapula
PubMed: 34545562
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2021.0087