Painful os Acromiale: Conservative Management in a Young Swimmer Athlete
Antonio Frizziero1,, Maria G. Benedetti2, Domenico Creta3, Antonio Moio4, Stefano Galletti5, Nicola Maffulli6
1Department of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy 3Department of Shoulder Rehabilitation, M.F. Toniolo Institute, Bologna, Italy 4Department of Radiology, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy 5Ultrasonography for Musculoskeletal Pathologies Unit, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy 6Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Hospital, London, England
Antonio Frizziero ✉ Department of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35100 Padova, Italy Email: antonio.frizziero@unipd.it
Received: 10-11-2011 -- Accepted: 15-02-2012 Published (online): 01-06-2012
ABSTRACT
An os acromiale (OA) arises from a fusion failure of the anterior acromial apophysis. This case report presents the successful management of a painful OA associated to rotator cuff impingement in a competitive swimmer, based on ultrasonographic diagnosis and conservative management. Rest from sport activity, oral anti-inflammatory drugs and previous attempt of treatment of shoulder pain were ineffective. After two months of conservative treatment consisting of avoidance of swimming, local anti-inflammatory, physical therapy with ice, strengthening exercises with elastic bands to strengthen the scapular stabilizing muscles, rotator cuff and lowering humeral head muscles, the patient was pain free and all specific clinical tests for impingement syndrome (Neer, Hawkins, Whipple and Yocum tests) were negative. Digital compression of the OA site was not painful, and the Jobe and Palm-up tests were negative. The athlete returned to swim continuing the rehabilitation exercises, and the successful results were maintained at one year follow up. An unstable and symptomatic OA can be easily diagnosed with ultrasound exam. Rehabilitation for rotator cuff tendinopathies or/and bursitis can be a valid alternative to surgery.
An os acromiale (OA) arises from a fusion failure of the anterior acromial apophysis.
A correct diagnosis of OA associated to rotator cuff impingement can be performed by ultrasonographic exam.
A conservative management of rotator cuff impingement syndrome, associated to OA, can be planned in athletic patients as a valid alternative to surgery.
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Painful os Acromiale: Conservative Management in a Young Swimmer Athlete
Antonio Frizziero, Maria G. Benedetti, Domenico Creta, Antonio Moio, Stefano Galletti, Nicola Maffulli