The Prevalence of os Acromiale in Patients with Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Aim: Os acromiale is a rare shoulder condition, which may be symptomatic. The rate of rotator cuff disease in the presence of os acromiale is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of os acromiale in patients with massive rotator cuff tears and in those with cuff tear arthropathy.

Material and Methods: Prospective data collection was performed on all patients who were treated for massive rotator cuff tear and\or cuff arthropathy in our unit in period of one year. In particular presence or absence of os acromiale, size of rotator cuff tear and signs of arthritic changes were noted. These were detected by various ways including plain radiograph, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopy.

Results: We found that 16 out of 135 (12%) of patients with massive rotator cuff tears had an associated os acromiale. Furthermore, 26 out of 82 (32%) patients with cuff arthropathy had an associated os acromiale.

Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that os acromiale is associated with massive rotator cuff tears and cuff arthropathy. It may suggest that os acromiale plays a role in pathophysiology of massive tears and that it may need to be addressed in addition to repair of the rotator cuff tear when managing patients with both os acromiale and massive rotator cuff tears.