Study of correlation between bigliani's acromion types and shoulder problems

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Acromion Morphology have been implied to have a major role in shoulder pathology especially caused by affecting subacromial space. Among Acromion Morphology studied includes – Acromion Index, Acromion Types, and Acromion Slope etc. Acromion Types as classified according to Bigliani is a faster way to differentiate Acromion on a plain X-ray. Purpose of the study was to assess the effect of Acromion type on shoulder problems. Material and Methods: 100 Patients of above age 40 coming to orthopaedic OPD for shoulder problems (Impingement or rotator cuff pathology) were examined. Their Acromion type were assessed on the basis of x-ray of shoulder (supraspinatus outlet view). Acromion type was then classified according to Bigliani classification. Results: There were 100 patients in the study – 58 males and 42 females. There were 44 type I, 55 Type II and 01 Type III Acromion types accordingly to Bigliani‘s Classification. Mean age of study group was 56.67 ± 6.57.However in Impingement group patients were younger (55.4 ± 6.53) as compared to rotator cuff group patients (58.84 ± 6.06).There were more females in Type I Acromion group and subsequently number of males outnumbered females in Acromion Type II and Type III. There were 63 patients in Impingement group and 37 in rotator cuff group. Right sided shoulders were affected in 68 patients and 32 patients had their left shoulders affected. 73 affected shoulders were of dominant sides. Conclusion: As Acromion Type changes from Type I to Type III, then symptoms of impingement and rotator cuff pathology start to appear at a younger age. This warrants aggressive approach of management of these shoulder pathology in Acromion type II and type III. Keyword: Acromion Types, Bigliani, Impingement,