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Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

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01-06-2019 | Painful Arc | Original Article

Validation of the inter-individual variability of the lateral offset of the acromion

Authors: Philippe Clavert, Manon Jouanlanne, Guillaume Koch

Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Anatomical variations of the lateral offset of the acromion (LOA) are supposed to be a factor favoring of the development of rotator cuff tears. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the inter-individual variations of the lateral offset of the acromion.

Methods

The morphology of 103 dried scapula was studied. Scapula with an os-acromiale, fractures and osteoarthritic changes of the glenoid cavity were excluded. We measured the distance between the medial edge of the spine and the supra-glenoidal tubercle of the glenoid fossa (L₀), as well as the distance between this medial point and the most lateral point of the acromion (L_max). Then, the acromial offset = (L_max − L₀), in absolute value (mm) and in relative value (% of L_max) were calculated.

Results

The absolute average offset is 3.2 cm (SD = 0.4040 cm), the relative average offset is 23.07% (SD = 2.195%). We observed a non-Gaussian distribution of the LOA, with two peaks of distribution of which average and the median offset measurements are situated between these two distributions.

Conclusion

This study shows that there are two different morphologies for the scapula, characterized by the lateral offset of their acromion: small or large lateral offset. Clinical implications in shoulder pathology seem important because the resultant of the constraints applied by the deltoid to the joint would favor either rotator cuff tears, or scapulohumeral arthrosis.

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Title: Validation of the inter-individual variability of the lateral offset of the acromion
Authors: Philippe Clavert
Manon Jouanlanne
Guillaume Koch
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keywords: Painful Arc
Femuroacetabular Impingement
Published in: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0930-1038
Electronic ISSN: 1279-8517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-019-02241-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Validation of the inter-individual variability of the lateral offset of the acromion

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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