A Study of Association Between Acromion Types and Shoulder Pathology

Abstract Background and aim: Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tear are commonly seen shoulder pathology. Pathological changes in soft tissue around shoulder can be due to intrinsic degenerative in tendons or extrinsic mechanical compression due to Acromion types. Arthroscopic acromioplasty is still standard procedure done for shoulder impingement pathology and during rotator cuff repair. Our primary objective was to determine acromion types, its prevalence rate with shoulder pathology.Methods: Total 85 patients who met inclusion criteria were included in the study. Acromion types were classified according to Bigliani et al type I acromion has flat undersurface, type II acromion has curved undersurface, type III acromion has hooked undersurface on Supraspinatous outlet view radiographs. Types of Acromion were co-related with shoulder pathology and age group.Results: Out of 85 patients with shoulder pathology 43 patients had impingement shoulder syndrome and 42 patients had rotator cuff tear. Mean age group for impingement shoulder syndrome group was 39.6 years and for rotator cuff tear group was 58.6 years. Overall right shoulder is affected more compared to left shoulder. Type 2 acromion was seen in 64.7% study population and type 1 is seen in 23.5% and type 3 is seen in 11.8%.Conclusions: In our study type 2 acromion is more frequently seen in shoulder pathology involving rotator cuff tear and impingement syndrome. Acromion morphology does not vary with age.