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AC Joint Injuries

Dr. Renny Uppal, MD

What is the AC Joint?

The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is a joint in the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (scapula). The specific part of the shoulder blade that meets the collar bone is called the acromion, therefore the name “AC joint”. This is in contrast to the glenohumeral joint, which is considered the main “ball and socket” shoulder joint.

What Kinds of Problems Occur at the AC Joint?

The most common problems that occur at the AC joint are arthritis, fractures and “separations”. Arthritis is a condition characterized by loss of cartilage in the joint. Like arthritis at other joints in the body, it is characterized by pain and swelling, especially with activity. Over time, the joint can wear out, leading to swelling and formation of spurs around the joint. These spurs are a symptom of the arthritis and not the primary cause of the pain. Motions that aggravate arthritis at the AC joint include reaching across the body toward the other arm. AC joint arthritis is common in weight lifters, especially with the bench press, and to a lesser extent military press. AC joint arthritis may also be present when there are rotator cuff problems.

How Do You Treat Arthritis of the AC Joint?

There is currently no way to replace the cartilage that is damaged by arthritis. As a result, the primary way to control the symptoms of arthritis is to modify your activities so as not to aggravate the condition. Application of ice to the joint helps decrease pain and inflammation. Medication including aspirin, Tylenol®, and non-steroidal drugs anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) may also be effective.

What Can Be Done if Those Treatments Do Not Work?

If rest, ice, medication, and modifying your activity do not work, then the next step is a cortisone shot. An injection of medication into the joint sometimes takes care of the pain and swelling permanently, although the effect is unpredictable and may only be for a short time.

If symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be an option. Since the pain is due to the ends of the bones making contact with each other, the treatment is removal of a portion of the end of the clavicle. This outpatient surgery can be performed through a small incision about one inch long or arthroscopically using several small incisions. Regardless of the technique utilized, the recovery and results are about the same. Most patients have full motion by six weeks and return to sports by 12 weeks.

What is an AC Separation?


What is the Treatment for AC Separations?

These can be very painful injuries, so the initial treatment is to decrease pain. This is best accomplished by immobilizing the arm in a sling, and placing an ice pack to the shoulder for 20-30 minutes every two hours as needed. NSAID’s can also help the pain. As the pain starts to subside, it is important to begin moving the fingers, wrist, and elbow, and eventually the shoulder in order to prevent a stiff or “frozen” shoulder. Instruction on when and how much to move the shoulder should be provided by your physician, physical therapist, or trainer. The length of time needed to regain full motion and function depends on the severity or grade of the injury. Recovery from a Grade I AC separation usually takes ten to 14 days, whereas a Grade III may take six to eight weeks.

When is Surgery Indicated?

Grade I and II separations very rarely require surgery. Even Grade III injuries usually allow return to full activity with few restrictions. In some cases a painful lump may persist, necessitating partial clavicle excision in selected individuals such as high caliber throwing athletes. Surgery can be very successful in these cases, but as always, the benefits must be weighed against the potential risks.

Your sports medicine doctor at the Reno Orthopedic Center has extensive experience in dealing with the AC joint and all shoulder problems from arthritis to trauma to overuse conditions. I understand that these conditions can sometimes lead to significant lifestyle changes. As my patient, you can be assured of the best treatment available today and I will discuss with you all available options in the care of your shoulder problem.