Prevalence of Coracoclavicular Joint in Northern India: Radiological Evidence

Abstract

Introduction: Coracoclavicular Joint (CCJ), present between conoid tubercle of clavicle and coracoid process of scapula, is a known anomalous synovial joint with 0.55%-21% radiological occurrence in various populations. It can be rarely symptomatic and present with shoulder pain, brachialgia or osteoarthritis of itself or neighboring joints. Very few osteological and radiological studies are done in India to observe the prevalence of this joint. Aim: The present study was undertaken to observe the prevalence of CCJ in North region of India and to observe association of presence of joint with laterality and gender. Materials and Methods: A total of 1040 digital chest X-ray films in Posteroanterior view were observed out of which 629 images were of males and 411 of females. Age of the study population ranged from 8 months to 90 years. Presence of a joint like space between the facet like elevation on conoid tubercle and reciprocal facet on superior surface of coracoid process was considered as evidence of CCJ. Prevalence of the joint was calculated and association of presence of joint with laterality and gender was observed. Results: The CCJ was noted in 3.37% (n=35) individuals. Unilateral occurrence (77.15%, n=27) was significantly more common than bilateral (22.85%, n=8) predominantly on left side (62.96%, n=17). Joint was more frequently observed in males (62.86%, n=22) than females (37.14%, n=13) but the difference was insignificant. It was only observed in individuals who were 21 years old and above. Conclusion: Prevalence of CCJ in Northern India is higher than Europeans, Africans and Americans. Knowledge of presence of CCJ as a cause of shoulder pain is important as it is not a rare entity and will prevent misdiagnosis and hence inappropriate treatment.

Keywords

• conoid tubercle
• coracoid process
• shoulder pain