Anatomical study of the acromioclavicular ligament and its clinical significance

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.02

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5) : 507-510. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.02

Anatomical study of the acromioclavicular ligament and its clinical significance

Li Suyi^1#, Jin Ruixi^1#, Liu Zhenyuan¹, Ren Lina¹ , Peng Zhiyi¹, Zhou Ye¹, Chen Cheng², Liu Xinyi¹, Cheng Yilin¹, Li Jing³*

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Abstract

Objective To observe the morphological characteristics of the acromioclavicular ligament (ACL), and provide useful information for the surgical repair of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ). Methods A total of 85 upper limbs of human cadavers were dissected and the anatomical features of the ACL were noted. The angles between the supero-posterior bundle (SPB) and the long axis of the clavicle (ɑ), and between the SPB and ACJ facet (β) were measured. Results (1) According to the distributions of the SPB and anterio-inferior bundle (AIB), the ACL was classified into: ①In 29 cases, the SPB covered more than 70% of the superior facet of the ACJ for, while the AIB covered more than 50% of the inferior facet of the ACJ. ②In 26 cases, the SPB covered more than 70% of the superior facet of the ACJ r, while the AIB covered less than 50% of the inferior facet of the ACJ. ③ In 30 cases, the SPB covered less than 70% of the superior facet, while the AIB covered less than 50% of the inferior facet of the ACJ. (2) The angles between the posterosuperior bundle and the acromioclavicular joint surface (α), and the joint inclination were (61.5±8.9)°, and (70.1±6.5)°, respectively. There was no correlation between α and β (P>0.05). Conclusions The ACL consists of two parts: SPB and AIB. The classification of the ACL serves as a supplement to previous studies. Combining the characteristics and variations of the ACL, anatomical reconstruction for acromioclavicular joint dislocation can help improve treatment and reduce surgical complications.

Key words

Acromioclavicular ligament / / / Acromion / / / Clavicle / / / Morphology / / / Variation / / / Applied anatomy

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Li Suyi, Jin Ruixi, Liu Zhenyuan, Ren Lina , Peng Zhiyi, Zhou Ye, Chen Cheng, Liu Xinyi, Cheng Yilin, Li Jing. Anatomical study of the acromioclavicular ligament and its clinical significance[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(5): 507-510 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.02

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