Morphometric evaluation of individual variabilities of subacromial space among normal population in a tertiary healthcare center

Objectives Subacromial impingement is a common cause of chronic shoulder pain. This study aimed to evaluate the individual variabilities in radiographic parameters pertaining to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and subacromial space among individuals with a normal AC joint. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 260 patients who had undergone shoulder computed tomography (CT) scans with normal AC joints. Various radiographic parameters were measured and analyzed, including the AC angle, depth of acromion, coracoclavicular (CC) distance, the thickness of the distal clavicle, morphology of acromion, and AC joint configuration angles (acromion angle and clavicular angle). Results The patients’ mean age was 48.4 ± 17.3 years. Sex distribution was equal. Most patients had a curved acromion (72.3%) and an overhanging acromion configuration (40%). Significant sex differences were found in various parameters. Females had a higher mean acromion angle, while males had higher values for the AC angle, CC distance, distal clavicle thickness, acromion thickness, coracoid overlap, and clavicular angle. The results highlight variations in morphometric parameters in the subacromial space and AC joint among individuals with a normal AC joint. Conclusion The study revealed a high degree of variability in the morphometric parameters of the subacromial space and AC joint among individuals with a normal AC joint. These findings can contribute to the design of newer clavicular hook plate models, reducing complications associated with postoperative subacromial impingement. Furthermore, demographic and sex-based variations in CT parameters can aid in identifying extrinsic risk factors for the development of subacromial impingement.