Acromial End Of The Clavicle, Superior View

Description

Acromial (lateral) end of the clavicle occupies the superior shoulder girdle, where the flattened distal clavicle meets the acromion to form the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. From this superior perspective, the upper surface reads as broadly smooth and subcutaneous, with the anterior margin facing the deltoid origin and the posterior margin aligned toward the trapezius attachment along the lateral third. Laterally, the articular facet sits at the extreme end of the bone; medially, the clavicle transitions into the more cylindrical shaft. The contours emphasize the gentle lateral curve and the widening of the distal clavicle relative to the midshaft. Sports injuries often target this exact region. Direct trauma to the superior-lateral shoulder can disrupt the AC ligament and coracoclavicular restraints (conoid and trapezoid), producing the step-off deformity of an AC separation that clinicians palpate at the distal clavicle. Surgeons planning distal clavicle excision (Mumford procedure) or fixation of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures benefit from a superior surface reference because the plate footprint, screw trajectories, and the location of the AC capsule are judged relative to the flat superior cortex. Surface anatomy matters here. The fixed superior viewpoint also supports teaching how close the distal clavicle lies to the skin, explaining why prominent hardware and postoperative irritation are common complaints. Orthopaedic and sports medicine courses can pair this illustration with AC joint radiographs to reinforce landmark recognition and injury classification. Medical publishers will also find it suited to operative approach figures for superior AC joint exposure and distal clavicle plating, where a top-down bony reference prevents ligament and capsule labels from drifting into implausible positions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.