The Study of Coracoacromial Ligament Morphology and Its Clinical Aspects

Abstract

Background: The coracoacromial ligament (CAL) as an integral component of the coracoacromial arch, plays an important role in shoulder biomechanics, joint stability, and proprioception thus maintains static restraint due to its dynamic interactions with ligaments, muscles and bony elements around the shoulder joint. Age-dependent changes due to chronic stress and cellular degradation cause thickening and stiffening of the CAL that may contribute to a spectrum of shoulder pathology from capsular tightness to rotator cuff tear arthropathy and impingement syndrome.Objectives: This study conducted to observe the different types of CAL and its relationship with coracoacromial veil. Materials and Methods:The study conducted on 50 upper limbs at Bowring & Lady Curzon medical college & research institute and Bangalore medical college & research institute. The upper limbs were dissected at the shoulder joint complex and acromion process and coracoid process were appreciated and coracoacromial ligaments were appreciated for their types and morphometry.Results and Conclusion: Four types of CAL were observed in this study. These are Y shaped CAL in 12 (24%) upper limbs, broad banded in 8 (16%), quadrangular band shaped in 25 (50%) and multiple banded in 5(10%) upper limbs. Coracoacromial veil were observed. All the above ligaments were had normal attachments.