The acromial end is the flattened outer end of the collarbone, which meets the inner edge of the acromion to form the acromioclavicular (AC) joint at the top of the shoulder. Its lower surface carries the conoid tubercle and trapezoid line, where the strong coracoclavicular ligaments anchor the clavicle to the coracoid process. It can usually be felt as a small step at the point of the shoulder.
| Articulations | |
|---|---|
| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | Ossifies from the primary clavicular centres in membrane; a small, inconstant secondary centre may appear at the acromial end around the late teens and fuses quickly. |
The acromial end is involved in AC joint separations, which are graded by how far the clavicle rises relative to the acromion and whether the coracoclavicular ligaments are torn. Fractures of the outer clavicle are classified by their relation to the coracoclavicular ligaments, and unstable patterns have a higher non-union rate. Repetitive heavy lifting can cause distal clavicular osteolysis, a painful resorption of the bone end. Surgical excision of the outer end of the clavicle is used for painful AC arthritis.
Injury to the AC and coracoclavicular ligaments, usually from a fall onto the point of the shoulder, allowing the acromial end of the clavicle to ride upward.
Painful bone resorption of the outer end of the clavicle seen in weightlifters and after trauma, causing pain over the AC joint with pressing and dips.
A fracture of the outer third of the clavicle; patterns that leave the medial fragment detached from the coracoclavicular ligaments are unstable and often need surgery.
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