TYPE II/III HOOKED ACROMION

The problem of a hooked acromion plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment and subsequent chances of recovery from other shoulder problems. In the case of primary shoulder impingement the shape of the acromion is an important factor. There are a number of reasons why a patient might suffer from primary impingement but since most are due to degenerative reasons the acromion’s shape is crucial. That itself can be classified into three distinct types or categories. Treatment and chances of recovery can be determined from these three classes.

TYPE I

The first class or type is known as flat acromion. This category usually records a lower number of impingement cases.

TYPE II

Type II is curved acromion where the chances of incurring an impingement injury are higher.

TYPE III

The third type, type III or beaked or hooked acromion is where most cases are to be found. This third type may be an anatomical feature or may be degenerative. For types I and II, the impingement injury can usually be treated with conservative care. Type III hooked acromion most often needs surgery to aid the healing process. If type III is of a degenerative sort then surgical procedure should definitely be considered. In case surgery is not performed there are chances that the spur will cause a damage in the rotator cuff muscle that will then lead to the need for rotator cuff muscle repair.

Rotator cuff injury is most commonly related to the hooked acromion syndrome. Since the two are so closely linked there are often chances of misdiagnosing one for the other. In situations like this patients and doctors have to be careful about treating not merely the symptoms but trying to get to the root of the problem. One of the biggest difficulties that come in the way of proper treatment of shoulder injury is the fact that there are almost always no visible signs of trauma. The doctor has to rely on X-rays and MRI scans to provide him with the necessary data. Even here the chances of confusion are high.

However, proper care and rest are usually sufficient to ensure recovery. In cases that do require surgery the patient has to be careful about not putting any form of additional strain on the affected shoulder.

People who are usually most prone to injuries of this type are those who are engaged in sports and in other heavy activities that require one to constantly move one’s arm over one’s head.