Abstract
[Purpose]We studied the radiological changes of the acromial spur and glenohumeral joint because the degenerative changes of the shoulder were not fully understood. Materials and methods: We examined 88 patients 162 shoulders (42 male and 46 female). Their ages ranged from 15 to 87 years old (mean: 55.6 years old). Anteroposterior, axial and 30-degree caudal tilt shoulder radiographs were performed. Rheumatoid arthritis, cuff tear arthropathy and fractures were excluded. We divided the glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) in early, advanced and end stages, and classified the acromial spur to type I (sharp end) and type II (dull end).
[Results]There were 19 cases (23 shoulders) in type I of the acromial spur,47 cases (74 shoulders)in type II,39 normal cases (65 shoulders). The mean age of type I was larger than those of type II and the normal. The rates of the same type in bilateral shoulders were 26.7% in type I,65.9% in type II and 74.3% in the normal. Two shoulders (I1 II1) were in the advanced stage of OA and 9 shoulders (I2, II3, normal 4) were in the early stage.
[Conclusion]60% of the shoulder patients had acromial spurs. The mean age of type I was larger than those of type II and the normal. The occurrence rate of type I was larger than that of glenohumeral osteoarthritis.
