Abstract
To determine the radiological signs and the ease of diagnosis on different views, we reviewed true antero-posterior, axillary and supraspinatus outlet views of 26 shoulders with os acromiale.
The anteroposterior view shows sclerosis and ‘double oval’. The supraspinatus outlet view shows a ‘double’ acromion. The axillary view demonstrates the site of the pseudarthrosis and size of the os.
The os acromiale was visible on the anteroposterior view in 25 cases, on the supraspinatus outlet in 20 cases and on the axillary view in 17 cases. It was visible in at least two views in 25 of the cases. The os was more often evident on the anteroposterior view, but more clearly seen on the axillary. A radiologist reported on 13 of the X-rays and missed the diagnoses in nine cases. In two cases, the surgeon missed the radiological diagnosis. There were 20 meso-acromions and two pre-acromions.
The abstracts were edited by Prof. M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 South Africa
