Acromial types

Changed by Frank Gaillard, 23 Jan 2017
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The shape of the acromion had been initially divided into three types (which was known as the Bigliani classification) 3, to which a fourth has been added 2. They are useful as a standardised way of describing the acromion, as well as predicting to a degree the incidence of impingement. 

Classification

This classification was initially proposed by Bigliani et al in 1986 on outlet view radiographs, and later modified by Kitay et al 7 and Vanarthos et al in 1995, which remains the most widely accepted classification at time of writing (July 2016).

Acromion morphology (types) are based on sagittal oblique MRI:

  1. flat inferiorly (12%) 6
  2. curved (56%)
    • parallel to the humeral head with a concave undersurface 
    • considered most common type 3
  3. hooked (29%)
    • the most anterior portion of the acromion has a hooked shape
    • associated with increased incidence of shoulder impingement
  4. convex (upturned) (3%)
    • most recent classification of acromion process shape
    • the undersurface of the acromion is convex near the distal end 4
    • no convincing correlation between a type 4 acromion and impingement syndrome exists 4, 5

See also

  • -<p>The <strong>shape of the <a href="/articles/acromion">acromion</a></strong> had been initially divided into three types (which was known as the <strong>Bigliani classification</strong>) <sup>3</sup>, to which a fourth has been added <sup>2</sup>.</p><h4>Classification</h4><p>This classification was initially proposed by Bigliani et al in 1986 on outlet view radiographs, and later modified by Kitay et al <sup>7</sup> and Vanarthos et al in 1995, which remains the most widely accepted classification at time of writing (July 2016).</p><p>Acromion morphology (types) are based on sagittal oblique MRI:</p><ol>
  • +<p>The <strong>shape of the acromion</strong> had been initially divided into three types (which was known as the <strong>Bigliani classification</strong>) <sup>3</sup>, to which a fourth has been added <sup>2</sup>. They are useful as a standardised way of describing the <a title="Acromion" href="/articles/acromion">acromion</a>, as well as predicting to a degree the incidence of impingement. </p><h4>Classification</h4><p>This classification was initially proposed by Bigliani et al in 1986 on outlet view radiographs, and later modified by Kitay et al <sup>7</sup> and Vanarthos et al in 1995, which remains the most widely accepted classification at time of writing (July 2016).</p><p>Acromion morphology (types) are based on sagittal oblique MRI:</p><ol>
  • -<li>parallel to the humeral head with concave undersurface </li>
  • +<li>parallel to the humeral head with a concave undersurface </li>
  • -<li>most anterior portion of the acromion has a hooked shape</li>
  • +<li>the most anterior portion of the acromion has a hooked shape</li>

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