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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 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Sep 2023There is no widely accepted standard for the classification and treatment of traumatic acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion due to the scarcity of this condition... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
There is no widely accepted standard for the classification and treatment of traumatic acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion due to the scarcity of this condition and the confusion of terminology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed and Scopus were searched using "scapular fracture" and "acromion fracture" or "scapular spine fracture" as search terms. The inclusion criteria were English full-text articles concerning acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion that described patient characteristics and presented appropriate images. The exclusion criteria were cases without appropriate images. Citation tracking was conducted to find additional articles and notable full-text articles written in other languages. Fractures were classified using our newly proposed classification system.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine patients (19 men, 10 women) with 29 nonunions were identified. There were four type I, 15 type II, and 10 type III fracture nonunions. Only 11 fractures were isolated. The mean period from initial injury to final diagnosis was 35.2 ± 73.2 months (range 3-360 months) (n = 25). The most frequent cause of delayed diagnosis was conservative treatment for fracture in 11 patients, followed by oversight by the physician in 8. The most common reason for seeking medical advice was shoulder pain. Six patients received conservative therapy, and 23 received operative treatment. Fixation materials included various plates in 15 patients, and tension band wiring in 5. Bone grafting was performed in 16 patients (73%, 16/22). Of the 19 surgically treated patients with adequate follow-up, the outcome was rated excellent in 79%.
CONCLUSIONS
Isolated acromion/scapular spine fracture nonunion is rare. Fracture type II and III, arising in the anatomical scapular spine, accounted for 86% of the fractures. Computed tomography is required to prevent fracture oversight. Surgical therapy produces good stable results. However, it is important to select the appropriate surgical fixation method and material after considering the anatomical characteristics of the fracture and stress on the fractured portion.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
V.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Acromion; Spinal Fractures; Fractures, Bone; Scapula; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Ununited; Shoulder Fractures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37314525
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-04912-z -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Apr 2020Although degenerative osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a common finding on technical investigations, not every patient experiences pain or function loss.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Although degenerative osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a common finding on technical investigations, not every patient experiences pain or function loss. The difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is currently not elucidated. Therefore, we want to investigate the acromioclavicular relationship in normal, asymptomatic, and symptomatic degenerated ACJ.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
84 normal ACJ, 39 asymptomatic degenerated ACJ, and 30 symptomatic degenerated ACJ were 3D reconstructed. The morphological dimensions and the relationship of the acromion and distal clavicle were measured using computational software. The reproducibility of this technique was evaluated using inter- and intra-observer reliability.
RESULTS
The mean anteroposterior and superoinferior distance of both the clavicle and acromion was significantly larger in asymptomatic and symptomatic degenerative ACJ compared to the normal ACJ (p < 0.001). In symptomatic osteoarthritic ACJ, both the anterior and posterior borders of the acromion were significantly more anterior to the borders of the clavicle than in the normal group and asymptomatic group (p < 0.001). Subsequent ROC curve analysis resulted in a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 88.6% for anterior subluxation of the ACJ. This technique showed an excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with degenerative ACJ, both the distal clavicle and acromion are enlarged. In asymptomatic patients, the AC relationship is the same as in normal patients, in contrast, in patients with symptomatic degenerative ACJ, the acromion is subluxated anteriorly compared to the clavicle.
Topics: Acromioclavicular Joint; Acromion; Clavicle; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Joint Diseases; ROC Curve
PubMed: 31428850
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-019-03258-9 -
JBJS Reviews Dec 2023Level V. Narrative Review. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. (Review)
Review
Level V. Narrative Review. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Acromion; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Shoulder; Fractures, Bone; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38079495
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00175 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... May 2019Traumatic acromion fractures are rare and typically occur in patients with multiple fractures, which often delays diagnosis. Limited guidance exists on the treatment of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Traumatic acromion fractures are rare and typically occur in patients with multiple fractures, which often delays diagnosis. Limited guidance exists on the treatment of these fractures. We present a review of the literature from the last 20 years and describe our experience in treating five patients-two conservatively and three with open reduction and internal fixations (ORIF).
METHODS
We used the U.S. National Library of Science database, MEDLINE, to search for all pertinent publications from January 1999 to December 2017. Included were retrospective or prospective studies, including case series and case reports, describing treatment for traumatic acromion fractures and clinical and/or radiological outcomes. For our case reports, we present five patients with traumatic acromion fractures who were treated at our institution between 2013 and 2017.
RESULTS
Through our review of 14 publications, we found that current recommendations are often based on a limited number of cases. No gold standard to treat these fractures exists. Most authors recommend anatomic reconstruction, especially for dislocated fractures, persistent symptomatic non-unions or additional injuries to the superior shoulder suspensory complex. There is no clear trend in terms of the operative technique. With regard to our five clinical examples that were all initially treated conservatively, two were successful and three eventually required reconstruction with ORIF. Based on the findings of this review, we proposed a treatment algorithm for traumatic acromion fractures.
CONCLUSIONS
A classification system providing clear guidance on treatment options is needed. Although the non-union rate with conservative treatment is relatively high, it is not always painful or limiting to shoulder function, especially in elderly or less active patients. Fixation seems to be a more suitable treatment option for active patients who are more likely to require revision of symptomatic non-unions.
Topics: Acromion; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Algorithms; Conservative Treatment; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 30671623
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-019-03126-6 -
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Sep 2023The acromion morphology in a shoulder with posterior instability differs from that of a shoulder without glenohumeral instability. Specifically, the acromion with a...
BACKGROUND
The acromion morphology in a shoulder with posterior instability differs from that of a shoulder without glenohumeral instability. Specifically, the acromion with a flatter sagittal tilt, greater posterior acromial height, and less posterior coverage is associated with posterior instability. However, the association between acromion morphology and glenoid bone loss (GBL) in the setting of posterior glenohumeral instability has not previously been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acromial morphology influences the extent or pattern of posterior GBL in a cohort of patients with posterior glenohumeral instability.
METHODS
This multicenter retrospective study identified 89 shoulders with unidirectional posterior glenohumeral instability. Total area GBL was measured using the best-fit circle method on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Shoulders were divided into 3 groups: (1) no GBL (n = 30), (2) GBL 0%-13.5% (n = 45), or (3) GBL ≥13.5% (n = 14). Acromion measurements were performed on MRI and included acromial tilt, posterior acromial height, anterior acromial coverage, and posterior acromial coverage.
RESULTS
Patients without GBL had a steeper acromial tilt (58.5° ± 1.4°) compared with those with 0%-13.5% GBL (64.3° ± 1.5°) or GBL ≥13.5% (67.7° ± 1.8°) (P = .004). Patients without GBL also had greater posterior coverage (65.4° ± 1.7°) compared with those with GBL (60.3° ± 1.4°) (P = .015). Posterior acromion height was not significantly different among groups.
CONCLUSION
The results demonstrate that an acromion with a flatter sagittal tilt and less posterior coverage is associated with GBL in the setting of posterior glenohumeral instability. This is important to consider as posterior GBL has been identified as a risk factor for failure of posterior soft tissue-stabilizing procedures.
Topics: Humans; Acromion; Shoulder Joint; Retrospective Studies; Joint Instability; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Bone Diseases, Metabolic
PubMed: 37003427
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.03.005 -
Operative Orthopadie Und Traumatologie Oct 2023Patient-specific osteosynthesis for pseudarthrosis of the acromion. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Patient-specific osteosynthesis for pseudarthrosis of the acromion.
INDICATIONS
Symptomatic pseudarthrosis of the acromion at the level of a meta/mesacromion.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Infection; patient noncompliance regarding postoperative treatment protocol.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Preoperatively, a patient-specific three-dimensional model of the scapula is printed. A locking compression plate (LCP) is individually adapted to this model. Via a dorsal surgical approach over the scapular spine, the pseudarthrosis is refreshed and autologous cancellous bone from the iliac crest is embedded in the fracture zone. This is followed by fixed-angle osteosynthesis with the individualized plate. In addition, tension banding with tapes is performed to reduce the tensile and shear forces on the fracture caused by the muscle.
POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
Consistent wearing of a shoulder-arm brace for 6 weeks postoperatively, active-assisted increase in range of motion for an additional 3 weeks, then gradual increase in weight-bearing and initiation of daily activities without additional weights until 12 weeks postoperatively.
RESULTS
Treatment with the presented technique resulted in radiographic consolidation of the fracture and significant improvement in range of motion and pain at the 1‑year follow-up.
Topics: Humans; Pseudarthrosis; Acromion; Treatment Outcome; Fractures, Bone; Scapula; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Printing, Three-Dimensional
PubMed: 37380895
DOI: 10.1007/s00064-023-00817-7 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Dec 2014The high prevalence of rotator cuff tendinopathy in modern humans may be partly related to the shape acquired by the scapula as species changed throughout evolution.... (Review)
Review
The high prevalence of rotator cuff tendinopathy in modern humans may be partly related to the shape acquired by the scapula as species changed throughout evolution. Here, we compared the anatomic features of the scapula across members of the Hominoid group. The results support the hypothesis that the scapula of Homo sapiens sapiens exhibits distinctive anatomic characteristics compared to that of other Hominoids. We studied 89 scapulae from five species. For each scapula, we measured eight parameters and determined six index. We then compared the results across species. We identified two distinctive characteristics of the lateral aspect of the human scapula, namely, a lateral orientation of the glenoid cavity and a narrow coraco-acromial arch. Similar to the gorilla acromion, the human one is steeply sloped and, above all, larger and squarer than the acromion of other Hominoids. These features may explain, in part at least, the pathogenesis of rotator cuff tendinopathy in modern man.
Topics: Acromion; Anthropology, Medical; Humans; Rotator Cuff; Scapula; Tendinopathy
PubMed: 25454328
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2014.09.011 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Dec 2019
Topics: Acromion; Arthroplasty; Humans; Rotator Cuff; Shoulder Pain
PubMed: 31694802
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.10.002 -
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) Jan 2019The causes of degenerative rotator cuff (RTC) tears are unclear but certain acromion morphology may contribute. This study's objective was to determine using a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The causes of degenerative rotator cuff (RTC) tears are unclear but certain acromion morphology may contribute. This study's objective was to determine using a systematic review and meta-analysis the association of acromion type and acromial index with the prevalence of RTC tears. Six databases were searched electronically. Seventeen relevant studies between 1993 and 2017 were included in the meta-analyses determining the association of RTC tears with acromion type (n = 11) or acromial index (n = 10). Effect sizes were calculated as an odds ratio (OR) for the studies reporting acromion type and as raw mean difference (RMD) for the studies reporting acromial index. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. There was a significant small-to-medium effect found in the meta-analysis for acromion type (overall OR = 2.82, P = 0.000003), indicating an almost three times greater odds for a RTC tear in individuals with a type-III acromion as compared with those with a type-I or -II. A significant effect was also found for acromial index (RMD = 0.071, P < 0.0000001), indicating that a larger acromial index is associated with a greater likelihood of a RTC tear. Because of substantial heterogeneity in RMD for acromial index (Q-df = 92, P < 0.00001; I = 89%), subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Interestingly, the continent where the study was conducted (i.e., Europe vs. Asia) was the only moderator variable that could explain some of the acromial index heterogeneity. Overall, the findings from our analyses indicate that individuals with either a type-III acromion and/or a larger acromial index have a greater likelihood for non-traumatic RTC tears. Clin. Anat. 32:122-130, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Acromion; Humans; Rotator Cuff Injuries
PubMed: 30362636
DOI: 10.1002/ca.23309