The Orientation and Variation of the Acromioclavicular Ligament

Abstract

Background: Several biomechanical studies have shown that the acromioclavicular (AC) ligament prevents posterior translation of the clavicle in the horizontal plane. In anatomy textbooks, however, the AC ligament is illustrated as running straight across the AC joint surface. Hypothesis: The AC ligament does not run straight across the joint surface, and the configuration of the AC ligament may vary. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: We used 16 pairs of shoulder girdles in this study. After identifying the AC ligament, we macroscopically investigated the orientation and attachment of the ligament and measured the angle between the ligament and the line perpendicular to the AC joint surface by using a digital goniometer. In addition, the AC joint inclination angle was measured, and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient between the joint inclination and the ligament angle was calculated. Finally, we sought to classify the AC ligament based on its configuration. Of the 16 pairs of specimens, 3 pairs of shoulders were histologically examined. Results: The AC ligament was divided into 2 parts: a bundle at the superoposterior (SP) part and a bundle at the anteroinferior (AI) part of the joint. The well-developed SP bundle was consistent and ran obliquely at an average ± SD 30° ± 6° in relation to the AC joint surface, from the anterior part of the acromion to the posterior part of the distal clavicle. The joint inclination was 70° ± 12°, and a negative moderate correlation was found between the joint inclination and the ligament angle ( P = .02, r = −0.46). In comparison, the AI bundle was thin and narrow, and it could be categorized into 3 types according to its various configurations. Conclusion: The AC ligament could be separated into the SP bundle and the AI bundle. The SP bundle ran posteriorly toward the distal clavicle from the acromion at an average angle of 30° to the joint surface. Clinical Relevance: Anatomic reconstruction, based on the current findings in combination with findings regarding the coracoclavicular ligament, could facilitate improved outcome in the treatment of AC joint disruption.