Shoulder #7 - Answers

Os acromiale

Axial shoulder

This is an axial view of the shoulder.

  1. 1.Glenoid
  2. 2.Coracoid process
  3. 3.Acromion process

2 is anterior to 3, ie the upper part of the film as displayed is anterior.

It demonstrates the os acromiale, an unfused acromial apophysis. The acromial apophysis is a secondary ossification centre which normally fuses aged 18 to 20 years. This appearance is a normal variant which is often mistaken for a fracture on the axial view. It is usually bilateral.

Restart Case


[Case Index] [Home Page] [Last Case] [Next Case]

Dr A C Downie
Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals & UMDS
a.downie@umds.ac.uk