Symptomatic Os Acromiale With Impingement Signs: A Case Report

Case Diagnosis: Symptomatic Os Acromiale with impingement signs successfully treated with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).

Case Description or Program Description: The patient experienced a progressive, dull left shoulder ache over one year, accompanied by sharp pain with specific movements and clicking sensations. The pain radiated to her left ribcage and pelvic region. She initially consulted her primary care physician, where imaging revealed Os Acromiale without evidence of muscle tears. Conservative management did not alleviate symptoms, and her condition worsened over time. Upon evaluation at our clinic, she exhibited positive impingement signs. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) was administered, focusing on shoulder mechanics and addressing associated somatic dysfunctions. Following treatment, the patient reported significant symptom improvement, and impingement signs resolved.

Setting: Outpatient osteopathic clinic.

Assessment/Results: The patient demonstrated notable pain reduction and improved shoulder mobility post-OMM. Follow-up assessment confirmed sustained symptom relief and resolution of impingement signs.

Discussion (relevance): Os Acromiale is an uncommon anatomical variant that may contribute to shoulder pain and impingement. While surgical intervention is often considered in refractory cases, this report highlights the potential for OMM as a conservative treatment approach. The patient’s response suggests that targeted osteopathic techniques can effectively alleviate symptoms associated with Os Acromiale, potentially delaying or avoiding surgical management.

Conclusions: OMM may serve as a valuable intervention for symptomatic Os Acromiale, offering pain relief and functional improvement. Further studies are warranted to explore its role in conservative management strategies.