Abstract
Formation of a bony spur or prominence at the anterior acromion is important in the pathology of impingement syndrome, and its detection and the estimation of its size are also important for its diagnosis and treatment. We investigated the usefulness of a 30-degree caudal tilt view of the shoulder in the detection of bony spur. Of 73 joints diagnosed as presenting impingement syndrome, a bony spur was detected in 52 joints on the 30 degree caudal tilt view, whereas a routine anterior -posterior view detected it in only 27 Jeints. Only when a sufficiently large spur was projected toward the coracoid process, was it recognized on the A-P view. As the 30-degree caudal tilt view demonstrates the exact morphology of the spur to be encountered in the operative field, it is useful, not only for preoperative planning, but also for the evaluation of operative adequacy.
