Prevalence of osteophytes associated with the acromion and acromioclavicular joint

• Published in: Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2003-11, Vol.16 (6), p.506-510
• Main Authors: Mahakkanukrauh, Pasuk, Surin, Patcharin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acromioclavicular Joint - pathology; Acromion - pathology; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; clavicles; Female; Humans; impingement syndrome; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis - epidemiology; Osteoarthritis - etiology; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Prevalence; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - epidemiology; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - etiology; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome - pathology
• ISSN: 0897-3806; 1098-2353
• DOI: 10.1002/ca.10182

Osteophytes as a stigma for shoulder impingement syndrome and osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint were studied on the acromions and AC joints in 346 skeletons (230 males; 116 females), ranging in age from 15–100 years. Osteophytes were found on 28.9% (200/692) of the acromions, mostly on the anteroinferior aspect (54%; 108/200). Of these 28.9%, 87% (174/200) were of the traction type and 13% (26/200) of the claw type. Regarding the clavicles, 11.6% (80/692) had osteophytes on the articular facets of their lateral ends; all were of the traction type. There were statistically more osteophytes on the right than on the left side of both acromion and clavicle (P < 0.05). The occurrence of osteophytes and increasing age were significantly correlated (r = 0.65, P < 0.001). No gender differences were noted in the frequency of osteophytes on acromions or clavicles. These data should prove beneficial to clinicians in planning a proper course of treatment for patients suffering from painful conditions of the shoulder. Clin. Anat. 16:506–510, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.