Morphometric study of the acromion process of adult human scapulae and its clinical application in Orissa population

Abstract

Background: Morphometric study of the acromion process of scapula is an important diagnostic tool for various diseases of shoulder joint. It is implicated in subacromial impingement syndrome and the pathogenesis of rotator cuff diseases. Furthermore, morphometric analysis of acromion process would be helpful for surgeons while performing surgical procedure on shoulder joint. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to record the morphometric values of the acromion process of scapula and establish the relationship between various parameters, that is, length, breadth, and thickness of acromion process, mean acromiocoracoid distance, and mean acromioglenoid distance. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 30 dry human scapula of unknown age and sex. The acromial length,acromial breadth,acromiocoracoid distance and the length of the scapula were measured with the help of digital vernier caliper. Different types of acromion process were also noted and photograph of all the specimen has been taken with the help of camera. Results: The mean length of acromion process on the right and left scapulae was 40.11 mm and 41 mm, respectively. The mean breadth of the acromion process on the right and left scapulae was 26.36 mm and 23.86 mm, respectively. The mean acromioglenoid distance on the right and left scapulae was 17.10 mm and 17.67 mm, respectively. The mean acromiocoracoid distance on the right and left scapulae was 25.67 mm and 24.3 mm, respectively. Type 1 (flat) acromion was observed in 20.5% and Type 2 (curved) acromion was observed in majority (73.9%) and Type 3 (hooked) in 6%. Conclusion: The results of the present study may be of help to clinician to understand and treat various shoulder and also helpful for surgeons while performing surgical procedures on shoulder joint.