Anatomic variance of the coracoclavicular ligaments

Abstract

The coracoclavicular ligaments vary widely in morphology and anatomic descriptions. Few authors have adequately described the coracoclavicular ligaments' anatomy, and a number of discrepancies exist in the anatomy literature. This study examines the complex anatomy of the coracoclavicular ligaments and their relationships to clinically important bony landmarks. The geometric dimensions of 24 coracoclavicular ligament specimens from fresh human cadaveric shoulders were examined and quantified with 13 different measurements. Particular attention was given to any inter-specimen anatomic variance. The coracoid insertions of the conoid ligaments displayed high variance, with 33% (8/24) being confluent with the lateral fibers of the superior transverse scapular ligament. A further 15% (3/24) presented an additional lateral fascicle. The distance from the lateral trapezoid ligament to the distal clavicle averaged 15.3 mm. Three distinct and previously unreported conoid ligament variants lend themselves to an anatomic classification (types I, II, and III). A safety margin of 15 mm is suggested for distal clavicle resection in incomplete acromioclavicular joint injuries to preserve the intact coracoclavicular ligament.