The Coracoclavicular Joint and Related Pathological Conditions

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Abstract
The coracoclavicular ligaments are a remnant of the embryonic cartilaginous procoracoid. The procoracoid remain cartilaginous in about 6% of normal individuals. The procoracoid may also become ossified. If its clavicular portion undergoes this transformation, it gives rise to a coracoid tubercle situated on the clavicle. If its lower portion also becomes ossified, the 2 processes may form an articulation. This may be seen in 1.2% of otherwise normal shoulders on X-ray photographs. The anomaly is a heritable trait transmitted as an autosomal dominant. Novocaine should be injected to decide whether complaints of pain or crepitus ar e due to the presence of this anomalous into the joint. The articulation may also be involved by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis. Treatment consists in intra-articular injections, but excision of the joint may occasionally become necessary. If normal ligaments are ruptured, they may become calcified or ossified, and the X-ray picture may remotely resemble that of a coracoclavicular articulation.