Morphometric Study of the Acromion Process and its Clinical Relevance
Morphometric Study of the Acromion Process
Abstract
Background: The acromion process along with the coracoid process and the coracoacromial ligament form the coracoacromial arch which acts as a secondary socket for the shoulder joint. The subacromial space gives passage to the tendons of muscles forming the rotator cuff. Any abnormality, acquired or congenital, which leads to the reduction in the subacromial space can cause impingement syndrome. Morphology of the acromion thus plays an important role in impingement syndrome and the pathogenesis of rotator cuff diseases. Subjects and Methods: A total of 70 Indian unpaired dry human scapulae (Right-35, Left-35) of unknown sex were studied. Various parameters related to acromion process- a) Maximum length of acromion b) Maximum breadth of acromion c) Acromio-Glenoid distance and e) Acromio-Coracoid distance were measured with the help of a sliding digital vernier caliper and recorded in millimeters. Results: The mean values of each measurement were: maximum length of acromion: 43.10mm; maximum breadth acromion: 24.46mm; acromio- glenoid distance: 30.15 mm and acromio-coracoid distance: 37.05 mm. Conclusion: Knowledge of the morphometeric values of acromian process is important to the orthopaedicians in the differential diagnosis and surgical treatment of shoulder joint ailments, to the forensic experts in specimen identification from skeleton remains and to the anthropologists in their racial and population studies.