Excavated-type of rhomboid fossa of the clavicle: a radiological study.

The excavated type of rhomboid fossa of the clavicle is a relatively neglected anatomical structure that can potentially cause diagnostic problems. Its unilateral occurrence may be confused by the physician as avascular necrosis, osteomyelitis, or even a tumour. We studied 80 routine chest radiographs and identified the clavicles with excavated type of rhomboid fossa. The sex, sidedness, and handedness were recorded. An excavated type of rhomboid fossa was present in 43 clavicles (26.88%), appearing more frequently in males than in females. In addition, the incidence of the excavated type of rhomboid fossa was greater on the right side than on the left. That type of fossa was also present more frequently on the right side in right-handed specimens and on the left side in left-handed specimens. The high incidence of the excavated type of rhomboid fossa on the dominant hand supports the mechanical theory of fossa formation. Radiologists and physicians should be aware of this fossa, as it may resemble a pathological condition.

Morphological parameters of the acromion.

The purpose of this study was to record the basic morphometric values of the acromion. Forty-four pairs of dried scapulas were reviewed. Acromial shape was evaluated in relation to sex, symmetry and presence of subacromial enthesophytes and classified according to Bigliani with the following results: type I (flat): 26.1%, type II (curved): 55.6% and type III (hooked): 18.1%. There was a greater percentage of type III in men (56.2% vs. 43.7%) and type I in women (56.5% vs. 43.4%). Acromial morphology was symmetric in 29 acromia (65.9%). Enthesophytes were most common in type III (75%). A rough inferior surface of the acromion was most frequently found in type III (81.2%). Nine other scapular osteological parameters were also measured. Many differences were noted between male and female scapulae. The great variety of morphological features is assumed to be related to rotator cuff pathology and other shoulder impairments.

Failure of palmaris longus muscle duplication and its clinical application.

A case of failure of palmaris longus muscle duplication was found in the left forearm of a male cadaver. Specifically, two distinct palmaris longus muscles had failed to separate, and were united from the medial epicondyle to the palmar aponeurosis. We studied the exact morphology of the abnormal muscle, which, to our knowledge, has not been reported elsewhere in the literature. It also provided data for palmaris longus muscle morphology and may have clinical implications, as the knowledge of such an anomalous muscle should be useful for hand surgeons and radiologists.