Ann Rehabil Med.  2015 Jun;39(3):473-476. 10.5535/arm.2015.39.3.473.

Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Non-displaced Avulsion Fracture of the Acromion: A Case Report

• Lee CH
• Choi YA
• Lee SU

• KMID: 2165651
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2015.39.3.473

Abstract

Avulsion fracture of the acromion is rare. It is difficult to diagnosis because there is little displacement and it occurs even without direct trauma. We experienced a case without direct trauma that was diagnosed with ultrasonography. A 55-year-old male patient visited our outpatient clinic with shoulder pain resulting from a significant stress at the trapezius muscle during lifting of a steel reinforcement. Simple radiography revealed a calcific deposit over the acromion rather than a fracture. Avulsion fracture was identified with ultrasonography. This is the first report demonstrating that ultrasonography has an advantage over radiographs in the diagnosis of an avulsion fracture of the acromion of the scapula.

Keyword

Acromion; Bone fractures; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Acromion*
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Diagnosis*
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Lifting
Male
Middle Aged
Radiography
Scapula
Shoulder Pain
Steel
Superficial Back Muscles
Ultrasonography
Steel

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The space between acromioclavicular joint is identical on both sides in the anterior-posterior view obtained with the both clavicles of the patient bearing weight. This finding suggests intact acromioclavicular ligament.

• 

  Fig. 2 Radiograph of shoulder in anterior-posterior view showed a small calcific deposit (arrowhead) and a possible fracture line (arrow) in the posterior area of the acromial process at right acromioclavicular joint. The possible fracture line was found after performing ultrasonography examination.

• 

  Fig. 3 Ultrasonographic image of acromioclavicular joint with oblique coronal view. (A) A minimally displaced extracapsular calcifications and defect (arrow) of the cortical surface at the acromion are shown. (B) Normal acromioclavicular joint on left side is shown. A, acromion; C, clavicle.

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