Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences (SJAMS (original) (raw)

Radiographic Determination of Normal Range Values of Acromioclavicular Joint Space in Nigerian Population

Journal of Radiography and Radiation Sciences

Background: Acromioclavicular joint space is one of the most common injuries of the shoulder region. Accurate diagnosis of most acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathologies depends on the knowledge of the normal range values of acromioclavicular joint space. The variation in the normal AC joint spaces among the studied population points to the need to have population-specific reference range values of acromioclavicular joint space while the paucity of data on normal acromioclavicular joint space diameter in our locality necessitated this study. Objective: This study was, therefore, aimed at radiographically determining the normal reference range values of acromioclavicular joint space diameter with age in adult Nigerian and also to find its variation with sex. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in Enugu from January 2019 to July 2019. It involved digital anteroposterior shoulder radiographs of 628 adults (18 – 80 years) obtained using Zanca’s vie...

An analysis of acromioclavicular joint morphology as a factor for shoulder impingement syndrome

Shoulder & Elbow, 2014

Background: The present study aimed to determine whether acromioclavicular (AC) joint morphology was a factor in the development of symptomatic impingement necessitating AC joint excision. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study on all patients undergoing AC joint excision for symptomatic joint pain unresponsive to conservative treatment between 2009 and 2011. This involved 106 consecutive patients (57 women, 49 men, average age 54 years, age range 33 to 76 years). Prior to surgery, radiographic classification of the AC joint was performed producing three main groups: oblique, flat or curved. Pre-and postoperative assessment was performed using the Oxford Shoulder Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. Results: A significantly (p < 0.05) higher frequency of oblique AC joint morphology was seen in the AC joint excision study population compared to the normal population. Postoperative outcome demonstrated no significant difference (P > 0.05) between any of the three AC joint morphologies. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a significant association between the oblique AC joint morphology and those patients who develop AC joint pain requiring surgery. Outcomes of surgery were independent of joint morphology, gender or age, with all patient subgroups demonstrating significant improvement by the end of the study.

Classification of the morphology of the acromioclavicular joint using cadaveric and radiological analysis

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 2010

The aim of this study was to establish a classification system for the acromioclavicular joint using cadaveric dissection and radiological analyses of both reformatted computed tomographic scans and conventional radiographs centred on the joint. This classification should be useful for planning arthroscopic procedures or introducing a needle and in prospective studies of biomechanical stresses across the joint which may be associated with the development of joint pathology.

Ultrasound guided joint space distance changes during manual traction of acromioclavicular joint in young and healthy adults

Advances in Rehabilitation, 2015

Introduction: Manual traction is a commonly used technique in manual therapy. However, depicting changes in joint space distance via real time imaging during traction is seldomly applied. The aims of the study were to identify ACJ joint space distance changes during manual traction and creation of a classification of the techniques upon the largest change in the resultant parameter (l) representing joint space distance.Material and methods: Thirteen healthy volunteers were examined unilaterally. Acromioclavicular joint space distance changes were measured with dynamic ultrasound imaging during followingmanual traction techniques: International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine technique (IAOM AC), Karel Lewit’s Prague School of Manual Medicine & Rehabilitation technique (LAC) and author’s own proposition (B AC). The differences in joint space distance between resting position (RP) and the traction technique position, created three parameters of displacement - horizontal (x), vertical (...

MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound for the Assessment of the Acromioclavicular Joint

The International journal of sports physical therapy, 2024

The acromioclavicular joint (ACJ), a key element in shoulder movement and stability, is prone to various injuries such as sprains, dislocations, and osteoarthritis, typically resulting from physical trauma or wear and tear. Accurate and timely diagnosis is paramount for effective treatment and rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound has emerged as a pivotal diagnostic tool due to its ability to visualize soft tissues and provide real-time imaging. This non-invasive tool is also invaluable for monitoring healing progress and the evolution of osteoarthritic changes. This article reviews the application of MSK ultrasound in the evaluation of ACJ injuries, highlighting its advantages, specific applications, and recent technological advancements that enhance its diagnostic capabilities.

The Specific AC Score (SACS): a new and validated method of assessment of isolated acromioclavicular joint pathology

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2018

Background: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint (ACJ) pathology is a common cause of shoulder dysfunction, and treatment recommendations vary. When the efficacy of treatment is evaluated, the ability to measure outcomes specific to the population is essential. The aim of the current research was to develop and validate a specific ACJ questionnaire. Methods: Items for the "Specific AC Score" (SACS) were generated through the use of an expert panel, existing questionnaires, and patient feedback. Preliminary data analysis identified redundancy of items resulting in the questionnaire being refined. The final SACS was evaluated in 125 patients requiring surgical intervention of the ACJ. Internal consistency (the Cronbach α and corrected item-total correlation), content validity, criterion validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) were examined and compared with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Oxford Shoulder Score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. The minimum detectable change score was calculated. Results: The Cronbach α for the total scale preoperatively and postoperatively was high (preoperatively = 0.91, postoperatively = 0.93). All 3 domains (Pain, Function, Quality of Life) demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α > 0.70), and the correlation between items in each domain was satisfactory. The responsiveness was excellent (effect size, −2.32; standard response mean, −1.85) and was higher than the other general shoulder questionnaires. There were no relevant floor or ceiling effects. Reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.89) and the minimum detectable change was 6.5 points. Discussion: This new ACJ-specific questionnaire has been robustly developed, has good measurement properties, and has excellent responsiveness. The SACS is recommended for measuring outcomes in ACJ patients.

Morphology of the acromioclavicular-joint score (MAC)

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2022

Introduction To date there is no generally accepted specific definition or classification of acromioclavicular (AC) joint osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to analyze morphological parameters using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to develop a scoring system as a basis for decision making to perform an AC-joint resection. Materials and methods In a retrospective-monocentric matched pair study, healthy and affected subjects were investigated using T2 MRI scans in the transverse plane. There were two groups, group 1 (n = 151) included healthy asymptomatic adults with no history of trauma. In group 2, we included n = 99 patients with symptomatic AC joints, who underwent arthroscopic AC-joint resection. The central and posterior joint space width and the AC angle were measured. Morphological changes such as cartilage degeneration, cysts and bone edema were noted. Malalignment of the joint was defined as: posterior joint space width < 2 mm in conjunction with an AC angle > 12°. A scoring system consisting of the measured morphologic factors was developed. Results Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients showed significant differences in all measured items. We observed a significant difference in the MAC score for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (mean 10.4 vs. 20.6, p = 0.0001). The ROC (receiver operator characteristic) analysis showed an excellent AUC of 0.899 (p = 0.001). The sensitivity of the MAC score was 0.81 and the specificity 0.86. The MAC score shows a significant moderate correlation with age (r = 0.358; p = 0.001). The correlation of age and the development of symptoms was only weak (r = 0.22, p = 0.001). Symptomatic patients showed significantly more frequent malalignment compared to asymptomatic patients (p = 0.001), but the positive predictive value that a patient with malalignment is also symptomatic is only 55%. Conclusion Patients with symptomatic AC joints showed a typical pattern of morphological changes on axial MRI scans with early posterior contact of the joint surfaces, reduction of joint space and malalignment as the basis for the development of a scoring system. The MAC score shows excellent test characteristics, and therefore, proved to be both an appropriate guidance for clinical practice as well as an excellent tool for comparative studies and is superior to the assessment of malalignment alone. Level of evidence Level IV, retrospective diagnostic study.

Improved identification of unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries in a clinical population using the acromial center line to dorsal clavicle radiographic measurement

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2020

Background: Accurate classification and subsequent management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries remains a contentious topic. The updated Rockwood classification acknowledges ''stable IIIA'' and ''unstable IIIB'' injuries, a watershed accepted by ISA-KOS and important in guiding clinical management. Traditionally, the coracoclavicular distance is used to classify these injuries, despite well-documented limitations. This study aimed to evaluate displacement in AC joint injuries by measuring both coracoclavicular (CC) distance and the newly proposed acromial center line to dorsal clavicle (AC-DC) distance, in a cohort of patients, and correlate the results between the 2 measurements and relationship to Rockwood grade. Materials and Methods: Ninety consecutive cases of AC joint injury were evaluated radiographically for Rockwood classification, CC distance on anteroposterior radiographs, and AC-DC distance on Alexander view radiographs. Inter-and intraobserver reliability for each measurement was calculated as well as correlation between the 2 measurement types and the degree to which each measurement accurately represented the Rockwood classification. Results: Although both CC and AC-DC measurements showed very high inter-and intraobserver reliability, the CC distance systematically underestimated the degree of AC joint displacement when compared with the AC-DC measurement as the severity of injury increased, particularly in the presence of posterior horizontal displacement such as that seen in Rockwood IV injuries. Conclusion: The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides the clinician with a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) and may better inform the decision-making process regarding management options and recommendations.

Acromioclavicular joint instability: anatomy, biomechanics and evaluation

Joints, 2014

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint instability is a common source of pain and disability. The injury is most commonly a result of a direct impact to the AC joint. The AC joint is surrounded by a capsule and has an intraarticular synovium and an articular cartilage interface. An articular disc is usually present in the joint, but this varies in size and shape. The AC joint capsule is quite thin, but has considerable ligamentous support; there are four AC ligaments: superior, inferior, anterior and posterior. The coracoclavicular (CC) ligament complex consists of the conoid and trapezoid ligaments. They insert on the posteromedial and anterolateral region of the undersurface of the distal clavicle, respectively. The coracoid origin of the trapezoid covers the posterior half of the coracoid dorsum; the conoid origin is more posterior on the base of the coracoid. Several biomechanical studies showed that horizontal stability of the AC joint is mediated by the AC ligaments while vertical stabi...