DOI: https://doi.org/10.47648/jswmc2026v16-1-131
Najmin M, Das A, Jannat M, Islam GM
Abstract:
Background: The scapula is a triangular bone essential for shoulder movement, with the acromion forming the highest point and articulating with the clavicle at the acromioclavicular joint. Variations in the shape and size of the acromion process are clinically significant, as they are linked to conditions such as impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and degenerative changes.Objective: To analyze the morphometric variations of the acromion process of the scapulae.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. A total of 200 dried, grossly normal scapulae were examined, of which 104 were male and 96 were female, determined using the discriminant function analysis technique and subsequently grouped by sex. A purposive sampling technique was followed. Data were collected in a pre-designed data collection sheet, and measurements were taken with a digital vernier caliper.
Results: The morphometric analysis of the acromion process revealed that the length and breadth were generally greater in males than in females for both sides. For the right acromion, males had a length ranging from 31 mm to 48.62 mm (mean 39.96 ± 4.85 mm) and females from 30.70 mm to 47.62 mm (mean 37.53 ± 5.70 mm), with a significant difference (p < 0.013). On the left side, males showed a length of 31.50 mm to 52.15 mm (mean 42.06 ± 5.41 mm) and females 30.50 mm to 51.17 mm (mean 40.51 ± 5.70 mm), also significantly higher in males (p < 0.016). Overall, the left acromion length was significantly greater than the right (p < 0.05). Regarding breadth, the right acromion in males ranged from 17.76 mm to 35.19 mm (mean 23.42 ± 2.98 mm) and in females 16.34 mm to 34.80 mm (mean 21.62 ± 3.09 mm), with a significant male–female difference (p < 0.014). For the left acromion, male breadth ranged from 18.12 mm to 37.98 mm (mean 35.19 ± 4.85 mm) and female from 16.29 mm to 35.98 mm (mean 22.54 ± 3.38 mm), with a highly significant difference (p < 0.001). Although the left acromion breadth was higher than the right in both sexes, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that males generally exhibit greater length and breadth of the acromion process compared to females. The study demonstrates that males generally exhibit greater acromion length and breadth compared to females. The left acromion is typically larger than the right in both sexes, showing a significant difference in length, though not in breadth. These results offer valuable baseline morphometric data that can support clinical evaluations, orthopedic interventions, and forensic investigations.