The acromioclavicular joint, also called the AC joint, is located at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle (collarbone) and highest part of the scapula (shoulder blade) meet.
Any joints in the body have a higher risk of developing complications from normal wear and tear. Degeneration causes wear out of the cartilage which cushions the joint. This kind of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis.
In the shoulder, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a popular location for developing osteoarthritis in the middle age. AC joint degeneration can be painful and can cause trouble using the shoulder for everyday activities.
Causes
- Joint trauma. Serious injury or surgery can cause damage to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and eventually lead to acromioclavicular osteoarthritis
- Joint stress
- Chronic injury. ...
- Congenital defect or illness. ...
- Advanced age
- Family history
Symptoms
- Pain with certain motions.
- Joint tenderness and pain.
- Radiating pain.
- Inactivity makes it worse.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Swelling.
- Crepitus.
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest
- Ice
- NSAIDs
- Pain Killer
- Topical Medication
- Physiotherapy
- Steroid Injection
Surgical Treatment
If osteoarthritis symptoms are severe and activity modification and nonoperative treatments do not succeed, surgery may provide relief.
- The most common surgery recommended is called a resection of the distal clavicle.
- Sometimes called the Mumford procedure, distal clavicle resection involves removing a small portion of the end of the clavicle, thereby eliminating friction between the clavicle and scapula.