ASPECTS OF CORACOACROMIAL LIGAMENT ANATOMY OF INTEREST TO THE ARTHROSCOPIC SURGEON

Examination was performed on 100 cadaveric specimens to demonstrate th e anatomy of the coracoacromial (C-A) ligament, In a substantial numbe r (34 specimens), the bipartite nature of the ligament and the breadth of its insertions were considerably more pronounced than usually perc eived through the arthroscope. Supplementing the cadaveric material, 3 00 dry bone scapulae were examined from museum specimens of older pers ons, These demonstrated various degrees of transformation of the C-A L igament into bone (enthesopathy) at its acromial insertion. Variations in the patterns of these enthesopathic transformations corresponded t o variations in the patterns seen in the cadaveric material. This vari ability is of practical importance in a variety of operative procedure s. Additionally, the relationship between the acromial insertion of th e C-A ligament and the overlying deltoid muscle was examined. An under standing of this relationship is crucial in avoiding complications whe n operating in this area.