Case report - (2012)11, 352 - 356
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.

Key words: Shoulder, acromion, deformities, swimming, echography, rehabilitation

Key Points
  • 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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