AC Joint Injuries & Arthritis

Specialized treatment for AC joint separations and arthritis to restore shoulder function and eliminate pain.

Understanding AC Joint Injuries & Arthritis

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). This small but important joint is susceptible to both traumatic injuries and degenerative arthritis. Dr. Joshi provides expert care for all AC joint conditions.

AC separations occur when the ligaments connecting the clavicle to the acromion are torn, usually from a fall directly onto the shoulder. Separations are graded I through VI based on severity.

AC joint arthritis develops from wear and tear, previous injuries, or heavy weightlifting. It causes localized pain at the top of the shoulder that can limit overhead activities and affect sleep.

Causes & Risk Factors

Falls directly onto the shoulder
Contact sports (football, hockey, rugby)
Cycling accidents
Degenerative changes with aging
Heavy weightlifting (especially bench press)
Repetitive overhead activities

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of ac joint injuries & arthritis include:

Pain at the top of the shoulder
Visible bump at the AC joint (with separations)
Pain with overhead reaching
Pain when reaching across the body
Pain with sleeping on the affected side
Clicking or grinding at the AC joint
Pain with lifting or pushing activities

Treatment Options

Treatment for ac joint injuries & arthritis depends on the severity of your condition and may include:

Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
Sling immobilization for acute injuries
Physical therapy
Corticosteroid injections for arthritis
AC joint resection (distal clavicle excision)
AC joint reconstruction for severe separations

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all AC separations need surgery?

No. Most Grade I-III separations heal well without surgery. Surgery is typically recommended for Grade IV-VI separations or Grade III injuries in high-demand overhead athletes.

Will the bump go away after an AC separation?

Some visible deformity often remains after AC separations, even with successful healing. This rarely affects function but can be cosmetically noticeable.

How is AC joint arthritis treated?

Initial treatment includes activity modification, injections, and therapy. If conservative treatment fails, arthroscopic or open distal clavicle excision (removing the end of the collarbone) is highly effective.

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