Osteoarthritis sa AC Joint Impormasyon In-depth
Ang iyong nararamdaman
Ang sakit ay nasa mismong itaas ng iyong balikat, sa maliit na joint kung saan nagtatagpo ang iyong collarbone at shoulder blade. Maaari itong kumalat patungo sa harap ng iyong balikat o pataas sa muscle na tumatakbo mula sa iyong leeg hanggang sa iyong balikat. Ang pagbubuhat ng anumang mabigat ay madalas na nagpapalala nito. Gayundin ang paghiga sa panig na iyon sa gabi.
Napapansin ng ilang tao ang sakit nang higit pagkatapos ng aktibidad, at ang iba naman ay nararamdaman ito pagkagising pa lamang. Ang pag-abot sa tapat ng iyong katawan, gaya ng pag-abot sa seatbelt o pagbubuhat ng bag sa kabilang panig ng mesa, ay maaaring makasakit. Ang pagtataas ng iyong braso nang diretso sa itaas ng iyong ulo ay maaari ring magdulot ng sakit sa bahaging iyon sa itaas ng iyong balikat.
Narito ang isang bagay na mahalagang malaman: ang arthritis na nakikita sa scan ay hindi laging tumutugma sa tindi ng sakit. Ang ilang tao ay may wear-and-tear arthritis sa joint na ito sa imaging ngunit walang nararamdamang anuman. Sa katunayan, karamihan sa mga tao na ang arthritis ay lumalabas sa scan ngunit walang sakit ay nananatiling walang sakit sa mga sumunod na taon. Ang iba naman ay may scan na mukhang mild ngunit nakararamdam ng matinding sakit. Ang mahalaga ay ang iyong mga sintomas, hindi lamang ang larawan sa scan.
Kung masakit ang iyong balikat, susuriin ng iyong surgeon kung may tenderness sa mismong bahaging iyon sa itaas ng iyong balikat at itetest kung paano gumagalaw ang iyong braso. Minsan, gumagamit ng numbing injection sa joint upang kumpirmahin na ang joint na ito ang pinagmumulan ng iyong sakit. Kung mawawala ang sakit pagkatapos ng injection, sinasabi nito sa amin kung saan ito nagmumula.
Ano ang aktwal na nangyayari
Ang joint sa itaas ng iyong balikat ay kung saan nagtatagpo ang iyong collarbone at shoulder blade. Ito ay isang maliit at mobile na joint, hindi isang rigid na joint. Gumagalaw ito nang bahagya sa bawat direksyon habang umiikot ang iyong shoulder blade sa iyong dibdib. Isipin ito bilang isang maliit na hinge na dumudulas at umiikot din, na hinahayaan ang dalawang buto na manatiling magkasabay habang gumagalaw ang iyong braso.
Sa pagitan ng dalawang buto ay mayroong isang soft pad, na parang isang gasket. Binabawasan nito ang impact sa joint at pinapanatiling swabe ang pagdausdos ng mga surface. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang pad na ito ay napupudpod. Dito nagsisimula ang problema. Ang mga joint surface ay nagsisimulang magkiskisan, at ang buto ay tumutugon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaki ng maliliit na bony spurs sa mga gilid. Ito ang wear-and-tear arthritis.
Ang uri ng arthritis na ito ay karaniwang lumalabas mula sa early middle age pataas. Mas karaniwan ito sa mga taong madalas gumawa ng paulit-ulit na overhead work o mabibigat na pagbubuhat. Ang isang lumang shoulder separation, kahit na mild lang ito mula maraming taon na ang nakalipas, ay maaari ring humantong sa masakit na arthritis sa joint na ito sa kalaunan.
Kapag napudpod ang joint, nagiging masakit ito eksakto kung saan mo ito nararamdaman: sa bahaging iyon sa itaas ng iyong balikat. Ang pagbubuhat, pag-abot sa tapat ng iyong katawan, at paghiga sa panig na iyon ay nagdidirekta ng pressure sa mga napudpod na surface, kaya naman masakit ang mga paggalaw na iyon. Ang mga bony spurs at ang mga raw joint surface ang pinagmumulan ng sakit na inilarawan kanina.
Narito ang bahaging pinakamahalaga: ang ipinapakita ng scan ay hindi ang nagdidikta sa iyong nararamdaman. Maraming tao ang may arthritis sa joint na ito at hindi ito napapansin. Karamihan sa kanila ay nananatiling pain-free sa mga sumunod na taon. Ang iba naman ay may mild-looking wear lamang ngunit may tunay na sakit. Ang iyong mga sintomas, at hindi ang larawan sa scan, ang nagsisilbing gabay sa anumang desisyon tungkol sa gamutan.
Ano ang maaari naming gawin tungkol dito
Si Dr Kieran Hirpara, isang upper-limb surgeon sa Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, ay nagsisimula sa mga opsyon na hindi gaanong invasive na angkop sa iyong kondisyon. Ang mga pasyente ay karaniwang nirerefer sa aming klinika ng kanilang GP; kung iminungkahi ng isang physiotherapist na magpatingin sa amin, kakailanganin mo pa rin ng referral mula sa iyong GP upang maging eligible para sa Medicare rebate. Sa iyong unang pagbisita, kumukuha kami ng history, sinusuri ang iyong balikat, at nag-aayos ng imaging kung kinakailangan. Dahil ito ay isang matagal nang problema sa pagkapudpod (wear problem), karaniwan kaming nagsisimula sa non-operative care.
Ang unang hakbang ay simple: pahinga mula sa mga aktibidad na nagpapalala ng sakit, at paglalagay ng ice kapag ito ay sumisidhi. Ang mga anti-inflammatory tablet, na nagbabawas ng sakit at pamamaga, ay madalas na ginagamit sa simula. Ang physiotherapy ay nakatuon sa pagbabalik ng joint sa komportableng paggalaw at pagpapalakas ng mga kalamnan sa paligid ng iyong balikat upang mabawasan ang load sa joint. Bigyan ito ng sapat na pagkakataon bago mag-isip ng iba pang hakbang.
Kung ang mga hakbang na iyon ay hindi nakapagpagaling, susunod ang mga injection. Ang cortisone injection ay naglalagay ng anti-inflammatory medicine nang direkta sa joint. Makakatulong ito upang makumpirma kung saan nagmumula ang iyong sakit, at maaari rin nitong pawiin ang mismong sakit. Sa humigit-kumulang 47% ng mga tao, ang injection ay itinuturing pa ring tagumpay pagkalipas ng isang taon. Hindi lahat ay nakakakuha ng pangmatagalang ginhawa, ngunit para sa iba, nagbibigay ito ng mahabang panahon ng komportable.
Papapasok ang surgery kapag nananatili ang sakit sa kabila ng lahat ng nabanggit sa itaas. Tinatanggal ng operasyon ang isang maliit na piraso ng buto mula sa outer end ng iyong collarbone, na pumipigil sa mga pudpod at spurred na surface na magkiskisan. Pag-uusapan namin ito nang detalyado sa iyo kapag nabigyan na ng pagkakataon ang mga mas simpleng gamutan, at ang desisyon ay palaging ginagawa nating magkasama.
Ano ang dapat asahan
Para sa karamihan ng mga tao, ito ay isang kondisyong mabagal ang pag-unlad sa halip na biglaan. Ang sakit ay may tendensiyang pumupunta at bumabalik depende sa iyong ginagawa: pinapalala ito ng mas mabibigat na aktibidad, at kumakalma naman sa mga linggong mas magaan ang gawain. May ilang tao na napapansin na humuhupa ito sa pamamagitan ng mga simpleng hakbang at nananatiling tahimik sa loob ng mahabang panahon. Ang iba naman ay nakararanas na ito ay pabalik-balik sa loob ng mga buwan o taon, at sumisidhi kapag sumobra ang kanilang ginagawa.
Kung wala kang nararamdamang sakit, simple lamang ang pananaw. Karamihan sa mga tao na ang arthritis ay lumalabas sa scan ngunit walang mga sintomas ay nananatiling walang sintomas sa loob ng pitong taon. Ang pagkapudpod sa kasukasuang ito na hindi mo nararamdaman ay karaniwang nananatiling ganoon.
Kung masakit na ang iyong balikat, ang non-operative care ay nararapat subukan nang maigi. Ang pahinga, physiotherapy, at mga anti-inflammatory tablet ay nakababawas ng sakit para sa maraming tao. Ang cortisone injection, gaya ng nabanggit na, ay itinuturing pa ring matagumpay pagkalipas ng isang taon para sa halos kalahati ng mga taong sumailalim dito. Kapag gumana ang injection, tila hindi mahalaga kung ang iyong scan ay nagpakita ng malaki o maliit na pagkapudpod: ang mga tao sa parehong grupo ay nag-uulat ng parehong antas ng kasiyahan pagkatapos nito.
Kung nananatili ang sakit sa kabila ng lahat ng iyan, ang operasyon upang magtanggal ng maliit na piraso ng buto mula sa outer end ng iyong collarbone ay maaasahang nag-aalis ng sakit at nagpapabuti sa paggana ng iyong balikat. Ang ginhawang ito ay nananatili sa mga sumunod na taon, hindi lamang sa unang ilang buwan.
Kapag hinayaan, ang masakit na arthritis sa kasukasuang ito ay karaniwang hindi nakakasira ng iba pang bahagi ng iyong balikat. Ang pagkapudpod dito na hindi ginagamot ay hindi nakakahadlang sa paggana ng iba pang shoulder repairs, at hindi ito dahilan upang magtanggal ng bahagi ng collarbone habang nagsasagawa ng ibang operasyon sa balikat. Ang pangunahing panganib ng pagpapabaya rito ay ang simpleng pagpapatuloy ng sakit.
Isang tapat na babala: ang operasyon ay hindi isang garantiya. Ang bawat operasyon ay may sariling mga posibleng komplikasyon, at ang maingat na teknik ay nagpapababa ng mga panganib na iyon sa halip na alisin ang mga ito nang lubusan. Pag-uusapan namin ang makatotohanang sitwasyon kasama ka bago ang anumang desisyon, at ang pagpili ay palaging ginagawa nating magkasama.
Kailan dapat magpatingin
Magpatingin sa iyong GP kung ang sakit sa itaas ng iyong balikat ay pabalik-balik, lalo na kapag nagbubuhat, may inaabot sa kabilang bahagi ng iyong katawan, o kapag nakahiga sa panig na iyon. Humingi ng pagsusuri ng isang espesyalista kung ang mga simpleng hakbang ay hindi nakapagpagaling nito pagkatapos ng sapat na pagsubok, o kung ang sakit ay nakakaabala sa iyong pagtulog o pumipigil sa iyong pagtatrabaho. Mas mainam na magpatingin nang mas maaga pa kung ang sakit ay matalas at nakatuon sa isang maliit na bahagi sa itaas ng iyong balikat, dahil ang pagiging sensitibo sa haplos (tenderness) sa mismong bahaging iyon ay isang mahalagang pahiwatig kung nasaan ang problema. Ang kondisyong ito ay hindi isang emergency, at walang bahagi nito ang nangangailangan ng pangangalaga sa mismong araw na iyon. Ngunit ang sakit na hindi nawawala ay nararapat na masusing suriin, dahil ang mga paggamot na inilarawan kanina ay pinaka-epektibo bago ka pa mapagod ng problema sa loob ng maraming taon.
Higit pang detalye
Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)
Ang seksyong ito ay higit pa sa kailangan mo para sa iyong sariling mga desisyon sa paggamot. Ang arthritis ng AC joint ay karapat-dapat sa karagdagang pagbabasa sa isang hindi komportableng dahilan: ito ay lubhang karaniwan sa imaging, madalas itong isinisisi sa pananakit ng balikat, at ang ebidensya na ang paggamot dito ay nakatutulong ay mas mahina kaysa sa halos anumang bagay sa site na ito.
Hindi pinapatunayan ng ebidensya na may gumagana
Ang isang systematic review ng paggamot sa primary AC joint osteoarthritis ay pinagsama-sama ang 1,902 na pasyente at nakarating sa isang konklusyon na bihirang sabihin nang ganito kaplinaw: ang mga pag-aaral ay nag-iba-iba sa indikasyon, interbensyon at kalidad, at hindi nagbigay ng ebidensya na ang alinman sa non-operative o operative na mga interbensyon ay epektibo [1].
Hindi ito katulad ng pagsasabing walang nakakatulong. Nangangahulugan ito na ang mga trial na magpapatunay nito ay hindi ginawa sa isang pamantayan na nagpapahintulot sa claim. Ang distal clavicle excision ay isang matagal nang itinatag na operasyon na isinasagawa batay sa makatwirang mechanical logic na ang pagtanggal sa gasgas na joint surface ay nag-aalis ng sakit, ngunit ang "matagal nang itinatag at mechanically sensible" ay hindi ebidensya, at mahalagang malaman ang pagkakaiba kapag gumagawa ng desisyon.
Ang pagdaragdag nito sa ibang operasyon ay hindi nagpapabuti sa operasyong iyon
Ang pinaka-direktang pagsusuri ay nagmula sa mga pasyenteng may ibang ginagawang pamamaraan sa parehong oras. Sa mga 208 na pasyenteng may rotator cuff tears, ang pagdaragdag ng distal clavicle resection ay hindi nagresulta sa mas mabuting clinical outcome scores o mas mabuting range of motion [2].
Mahalaga ito dahil ito mismo ang sitwasyon kung saan ang joint ay madalas na resected, ang surgeon ay nasa loob na ng balikat, ang AC joint ay mukhang degenerate sa imaging, at ang pagtanggal ng ilang millimetres ng buto ay mabilis. Sinasabi ng ebidensya na ang pasyente ay walang nasusukat na benepisyo. Kung ito ay iminumungkahi bilang add-on sa iyong cuff repair, ito ay isang makatwirang bagay na itanong.
Ang teknika ay hindi ang kawili-wiling katanungan
Ang open versus arthroscopic resection ay paulit-ulit nang pinaghambing at ang sagot ay pare-pareho: magkatulad na functional at clinical outcomes sa alinmang approach sa 319 na pasyente [3], kung saan ang isang naunang paghahambing sa 429 na pasyente ay hindi rin pumanig nang mapagpasyahan sa alinman [4].
Kapag ang dalawang magkaibang technical approach ay nagbubunga ng parehong resulta, ang tapat na konklusyon ay na ang teknika ay hindi ang nagtatakda ng outcome, kundi ang pagpili ng pasyente.
Bakit napakahirap ng pagpili rito
Ang AC joint ay nag-dedegenerate sa halos lahat ng tao habang tumatanda. Ito ay isang maliit at may mataas na load na joint na may manipis na disc na madaling mapudpod, kaya ang isang report na naglalarawan ng AC joint degeneration sa iyong scan ay malapit nang ituring na isang inaasahang finding pagkatapos ng middle age kaysa sa isang diagnosis.
Mayroong nasusukat na structural correlate: sa mga symptomatic degenerative AC joints, kapwa lumalaki ang distal clavicle at ang acromion, samantalang sa mga asymptomatic na tao, ang relasyon sa pagitan ng dalawa ay hindi nagbabago [5]. Iyon ay isang kapaki-pakinabang na pahiwatig na ang symptomatic at incidental degeneration ay magkaiba structurally, ngunit ito ay isang group-level observation, hindi isang test na maaaring ilapat sa iyong balikat.
Sa praktikal na aspeto, ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang isang diagnostic injection sa joint ay may malaking timbang rito. Kung ang local anaesthetic na inilagay nang tumpak sa AC joint ay nag-aalis ng sakit, malamang na ang joint ang pinagmumulan nito. Kung hindi, ang degeneration sa scan ay malamang na isang bystander lamang, at ang pag-resect nito ay malamang na hindi makakatulong, na siyang sitwasyong binabalaan ng ebidensya sa itaas.
Mga Sanggunian
[1] Welch M, Rankin S, How Saw Keng M, Woods D. A systematic review of the treatment of primary acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. Shoulder Elbow. 2023;16(2):129-44. https://doi.org/10.1177/17585732231157090
[2] Wang J, Ma J, Zhu S, Jia H, Ma X. Does distal clavicle resection decrease pain or improve shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff tears? A meta-analysis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2018;476(12):2402-14. https://doi.org/10.1097/CORR.0000000000000424
[3] Hohmann E, Tetsworth K, Glatt V. Open versus arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019;139(5):685-94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-019-03114-w
[4] Pensak M, Grumet RC, Slabaugh MA, Bach BR. Open versus arthroscopic distal clavicle resection. Arthroscopy. 2010;26(5):697-704. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.007
[5] Bulkmans K, Peeters I, De Wilde L, Van Tongel A. The relationship of the acromion to the distal clavicle in normal and symptomatic degenerative acromioclavicular joints. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019;140(4):465-72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-019-03258-9
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview
- Asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI remained asymptomatic in 90% of cases over a seven-year period [3].
- Symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis occurred in 15.9% of patients following total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years [8].
- Treatment choice for acromioclavicular dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [1].
- Untreated acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, whether symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is associated with a low percentage of failure [4].
- Acromioclavicular joint arthritis is not an indication for routine distal clavicle excision in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [4].
- Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed [2].
- A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis appears unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following a preoperative acromioclavicular injection [7].
- Limited distal clavicle excision in patients with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up [10].
- Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [14].
- Open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques each have a unique set of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique [14].
- Biplanar reconstruction with pectoralis minor tendon and coracoacromial ligament transfer aims to preserve the lateral portion of the clavicle whenever possible [9].
- In biplanar reconstruction for chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations, resection is limited exclusively to cases of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis or irreducible joints [9].
- Clinicians should consider overreduction of the acromioclavicular joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results in acute high-grade dislocations [6].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology
Joint Structure and Biomechanics
- The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a diarthrodial joint that supports the shoulder girdle through the clavicular “strut” [29].
- The AC joint serves as a primary link between the axial skeleton and the upper extremity [67].
- The AC joint is movable in all planes and is not a rigid structure [67].
- The normal AC joint is capable of translating 4 to 6 mm in the anterior, posterior, and superior planes under 70-N loads [67].
- The AC joint accommodates rotary motion of 5° to 8° during scapulothoracic motion and 40° to 45° with shoulder abduction and elevation [67].
- The AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are the static stabilizers of the AC joint, whereas the deltoid and trapezius muscles are the dynamic stabilizers [67].
- The horizontal plane stability of the clavicle is provided by the AC ligaments, specifically the posterior and superior portions [15].
- The scapula and clavicle are linked into a single segment referred to as the “claviscapula” [69].
- The AC and CC ligaments play a role in torque transduction and horizontal and vertical stability within the scapulohumeral rhythm [69].
- Kinematic changes resulting from AC joint dislocation can be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder [33].
- Scapular and clavicular kinematics are affected in AC separation models [34].
Ligamentous Anatomy and Injury Progression
- Injury to the AC joint results in progressive disruption of the ligamentous support, beginning with the capsular ligaments and progressing to the CC ligaments [16].
- The extent of injury to the AC and CC ligaments, as well as the amount and direction of clavicle displacement, often determines the severity of AC joint separation [41].
- Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the AC capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation [11].
- Although various reconstruction techniques can restore different elements of joint kinematics, none completely restores the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state [31].
Pathoanatomy of Degenerative Conditions
- AC joint osteoarthritis is more common with advanced age following degeneration of the intra-articular disk [15].
- Arthritic deterioration of the AC joint starts in early middle age [15].
- AC joint osteoarthritis is more common in patients engaged in repetitive overhead or lifting activities [15].
- Previous low-grade AC joint separations can result in painful arthritis [15].
- The radiographic severity of AC joint arthritis does not always correlate with patient symptoms [15].
- Asymptomatic AC joint degeneration is frequent and does not always correlate with the presence of symptoms [29].
- Distal clavicle osteolysis involves localized hyperemia of the distal clavicle, resulting in inflammation, bone resorption, microfractures, and secondary arthritis of the AC joint [15].
- Distal clavicle osteolysis is more common in males and seen in younger patients [15].
- Distal clavicle osteolysis is associated with heavy lifting or repetitive motions [15].
Radiographic Anatomy and Normal Values
- The normal coracoclavicular (CC) distance on an AP radiograph should be less than 11 to 13 mm [15].
- The normal coracoclavicular distance, measured between the superior aspect of the coracoid and the inferior clavicle, should be between 11 to 13 mm [16].
- Bone and joint edema on MRI correlate with AC joint pain [15].
- Osteophyte formation, sclerotic reaction, and bone cysts are commonly seen on radiographs of the AC joint in osteoarthritis [15].
Classification
- AC joint osteoarthritis is graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system [61].
- Cuff tear arthropathy is graded using the Hamada classification system [61].
- Radiographic signs of AC joint osteoarthritis include joint space narrowing, osteophytosis, and cyst formation [12].
- Asymptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis is defined by the presence of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis without clinical symptoms such as AC joint tenderness or a positive cross-body adduction test [12].
- Symptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis is characterized by AC joint pain, tenderness to palpation, and temporary pain relief with intra-articular injection [12].
- The Rockwood classification is used to evaluate acute acromioclavicular dislocations, including types III and IV [64].
- The Rockwood classification includes types III through V for severe chronic symptomatic AC joint separations [51].
- The Rockwood classification includes type V for high-grade acromioclavicular dislocations [19].
- The AC-DC measurement and Alexander view are used to define watershed cases of AC joint displacement, specifically types IIIA, IIB, and IV [18].
- Evaluating the integrity of capsuloligamentous structures stabilizing the AC joint provides information on injury severity that may influence treatment decisions [28].
Clinical Presentation
History and Symptoms
- Patients report activity-related pain localized to the AC joint [15].
- Pain may radiate anteriorly or along the trapezius [15].
- Pain is reported with heavy lifting or when sleeping on the affected side [15].
- Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over a 7-year course [3].
- Symptomatic ACJ OA occurred in 15.9% of patients after total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years [8].
- Radiographic severity of arthritis does not always correlate with patient symptoms [15].
Physical Examination
- Point tenderness is seen at the AC joint [15].
- Horizontal stability should be assessed during physical examination [15].
- Pain at the AC joint with terminal elevation and cross-body motion is often seen [15].
- Selective injection of anesthetic into the AC joint can confirm the diagnosis [15].
- Tenderness to palpation at the AC joint is a risk factor for subsequent distal clavicle resection after rotator cuff repair [26].
- Female sex is a risk factor for subsequent distal clavicle resection after rotator cuff repair [26].
- Surgery on the dominant side is a risk factor for subsequent distal clavicle resection after rotator cuff repair [26].
- Subsequent distal clavicle resection was performed in 40% of cases with a combination of AC joint tenderness, female sex, and surgery on the dominant side [26].
Imaging
- An AP view and/or a Zanca view of the shoulder provides good visualization of the AC joint [15].
- Osteophyte formation, sclerotic reaction, and bone cysts are commonly seen on radiographs [15].
- CT imaging signs of osteoarthritis at the AC joint include joint space narrowing, osteophytosis, and cyst formation [12].
- Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty [13].
Investigations
Clinical Evaluation
- Patients with AC joint osteoarthritis report activity-related pain localized to the AC joint, with occasional radiation anteriorly or along the trapezius [15].
- Pain with heavy lifting or when sleeping on the affected side is reported in patients with AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
- Physical examination of symptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis includes point tenderness at the AC joint [15].
- Horizontal stability of the AC joint should be assessed during physical examination [15].
- Pain at the AC joint with terminal elevation and cross-body motion is often seen in patients with AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
- Selective injection of anesthetic into the AC joint can confirm the diagnosis of symptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
Imaging
- An AP view and/or a Zanca view of the shoulder provides good visualization of the AC joint for evaluating osteoarthritis [15].
- Osteophyte formation, sclerotic reaction, and bone cysts are commonly seen on radiographs of the AC joint in patients with osteoarthritis [15].
- Patients with edema on MRI are more likely to present pain than patients without edema [60].
- Subchondral bone edema on histologic examination is more frequent in patients with pain [60].
- The radiographic severity of arthritis does not always correlate with patient symptoms [15].
- The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) [18].
- Normal coracoclavicular distance on an AP radiograph should be less than 11 to 13 mm [15].
- The normal CC distance on an AP radiograph should be between 11 to 13 mm [16].
Diagnostic Injections and Prognostic Indicators
- A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following preoperative acromioclavicular injection [7].
- Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over 7 years [3].
- Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is associated with a low percentage of failure [4].
- Preventive arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis [65].
- Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed [2].
Treatment
Non-Operative Management
- Rest, ice, and NSAIDs are used initially for AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
- Corticosteroid injections can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
- Conservative and surgical treatments are both effective in acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis management [22].
- AC injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47% in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [27].
- A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following preoperative injection [7].
- Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular injections for isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [24].
- Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% over 7 years [3].
- Non-operative reduction and stabilization of high-grade AC joint separations seems to be a valuable treatment option [46].
- Type V AC dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy [19].
Operative Management
- Surgical indications for AC joint osteoarthritis include persistent pain and failure of nonsurgical treatment [15].
- Relative contraindications for surgical treatment of AC joint osteoarthritis include a previous low-grade separation with persistent horizontal plane instability [15].
- Biomechanical evidence suggests a resection of 5 mm is needed to prevent contact between the clavicle and the acromion in the absence of instability during arthroscopic distal clavicle excision [15].
- Care should be taken to preserve the posterior and superior AC ligaments during arthroscopic distal clavicle excision [15].
- Pain relief is reliable in >90% of patients following arthroscopic distal clavicle excision in the absence of instability [15].
- Previous traumatic instability is associated with persistent pain in 30% to 40% of cases following distal clavicle excision [15].
- One systematic review showed slightly better results with arthroscopic excision than with open distal clavicle excision [15].
- Direct comparison studies have shown similar or better results with arthroscopic excision than with open techniques for distal clavicle resection [15].
- Between 5 and 10 mm of the distal clavicle should be resected during an open distal clavicle resection (Mumford procedure) [15].
- Meticulous repair of the deltotrapezial fascia is important during open distal clavicle resection [15].
- Limited distal clavicle excision of patients with AC joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up [10].
- The biplanar reconstruction procedure aims to preserve the lateral portion of the clavicle whenever possible, limiting resection exclusively to cases of AC joint osteoarthritis or irreducible joints [9].
- Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns following revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder [5].
- Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results in acute high-grade dislocations [6].
Rehabilitation
- Acute rehabilitation (zero to 7 days postoperative) for distal clavicle excision includes a sling, ice, and pendulum exercises [15].
- Subacute rehabilitation (1 to 6 weeks postoperative) for distal clavicle excision involves gradually increasing shoulder ROM, gentle passive stretching and ROM as tolerated, reducing sling use as pain permits, and avoiding heavy lifting or strengthening exercises [15].
- Late recovery (more than 6 weeks postoperative) for distal clavicle excision involves full shoulder ROM and stretching, initiation of rotator cuff, scapular stabilizer, and deltoid strengthening, and heavy weight lifting and return to full activities as tolerated [15].
- Residual pain or soreness can persist for 3 to 4 months after distal clavicle excision and can be aggravated by heavy lifting [15].
- Activity progression after distal clavicle excision should be modified according to symptoms [15].
Complications
Post-operative Osteoarthritis and Joint Degeneration
- Patients with loss of immediate postoperative reduction after AC joint dislocation repair more often developed radiologic and symptomatic AC osteoarthritis than those in whom the AC joint was anatomically restored [17].
- Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes following rotator cuff repair [48].
- An unhealed or re-torn rotator cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis following rotator cuff repair [48].
- Severe acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis is associated with acromial stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty [13].
Surgical Technique and Stability Complications
- Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results [6].
- Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic AC osteoarthritis, though each has a unique set of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique [14].
Natural History and Diagnostic Considerations
- Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic RCR is associated with a low percentage of failure [4].
- The outcomes of a retrospective study suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome [7].
Recovery
Non-Operative
- Asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI remained asymptomatic in 90% of cases over a 7-year period [3].
- Acromioclavicular injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47% in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [27].
- Outcomes suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following preoperative injection [7].
- Type V acromioclavicular dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy [19].
Operative
- Symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis occurred in 15.9% of patients after total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years [8].
- Osteoarthrotic changes were always associated with fair or poor results in surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation [30].
- Treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation by synthetic ligament reconstruction gave satisfactory results in terms of recovery of strength, but evolution is not risk-free with the onset of significant early osteolysis [70].
- Outcomes after arthroscopic coracoclavicular reconstruction for chronic, type V acromioclavicular dislocations show sustained and statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes as well as high rates of return to sport and maintenance of active-duty military status at long-term follow-up [56].
- Short-term follow-up of patients treated with minimally invasive coracoclavicular ligament augmentation for total acromioclavicular joint dislocation reveals excellent radiologic and clinical results, with no subluxations or dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint noted [68].
General Principles
- Choice of treatment for acromioclavicular dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [1].
- Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the acromioclavicular capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation [11].
- No long term disability results from the loss of the coraco-acromial ligament from its normal site [50].
Key Evidence
- [L4] Based on the available evidence, treatment choice for AC dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of AC OA. [1] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.24.00085)
- [L2] Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed. [2] (10.1007/s00167-014-3114-2)
- [L2] Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% over 7 years. [3] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.04.004)
- [L2] Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic RCR is associated with a low percentage of failure. [4] (10.1007/s00167-020-06098-y)
- [L4] Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns. [5] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.073)
- [L3] Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results. [6] (10.1177/0363546519862850)
- [L4] The outcomes of this study seem to suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome. [7] (10.5397/cise.2023.00073)
- [L4] Symptomatic ACJ OA occurred in 15.9% of patients after total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years. [8] (10.1177/17585732221114796)
- [L5] The procedure aims to preserve the lateral portion of the clavicle whenever possible, limiting resection exclusively to cases of AC joint osteoarthritis or irreducible joints. [9] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103104)
- [L4] Limited distal clavicle excision of patients with AC joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up. [10] (10.1016/j.otsr.2016.01.008)
- [L5] Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the AC capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation. [11] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.01.038)
- [L3] [12] (10.1007/s00402-019-03258-9)
- [L3] Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing RSA. [13] (10.1016/j.jseint.2021.11.008)
- [L5] Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic AC osteoarthritis, though each has a unique set of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique. [14] (10.1177/0363546513485359)
- [L4] [17] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.11.001)
- [L4] The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides the clinician with a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) and may better inform the decision-making process regarding management options and recommendations. [18] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.014)
- [L4] This suggests that Type V AC dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy. [19] (10.1177/2325967115s00017)
- [L4] Conservative and surgical treatments are both effective in acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis management. [22] (10.1007/s00167-020-06377-8)
- [L4] Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular injections. [24] (10.5397/cise.2023.00311)
- [L3] Risk factors for subsequent DCE included tenderness to palpation at the AC joint, female sex, and surgery on the dominant side, with subsequent DCE performed in 40% of cases with a combination of these 3 factors. [26] (10.1177/2325967119844295)
- [L4] AC injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47%. [27] (10.5397/cise.2023.00031)
- [L1] Evaluating the integrity of the capsuloligamentous structures stabilizing the AC joint is reproducible and gives additional information on the severity of the injury, which might also influence the treatment decision. [28] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.10.026)
- [L5] [29] (10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004)
- [L4] Osteoarthrotic changes, however, were always associated with fair or poor results. [30] (10.1016/0020-1383(83)90092-x)
- [L5] Although each technique was able to restore different elements of the joint kinematics, none of the strategies completely restored the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state. [31] (10.1177/03635465221095231)
- [L5] The kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation. [33] (10.1177/0363546512458571)
- [L5] Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models. [34] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.004)
- [L4] Non-operative reduction and stabilization of high-grade AC joint separations seems to be a valuable treatment option. [46] (10.1007/s00402-020-03630-0)
- [L4] Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes, and an unhealed or re-torn cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis. [48] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.03.007)
- [L4] No long term disability results from the loss of the coraco-acromial ligament from its normal site. [50] (10.1016/s0020-1383(80)80045-3)
- [L4] Severe chronic symptomatic AC joint separations (Rockwood types III through V) can be repaired entirely by arthroscopy safely and effectively by transferring the coracoacromial ligament with a bone block in the distal clavicle. [51] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.008)
- [L4] Outcomes after arthroscopic CC reconstruction for chronic, type V AC dislocations in an active-duty military patient population show sustained and statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes as well as high rates of return to sport and maintenance of active-duty military status at long-term follow-up. [56] (10.1016/j.arthro.2025.05.008)
- [L4] Patients with edema on MRI were more likely to present pain than patients without edema, and subchondral bone edema on histologic examination was more frequent in patients with pain. [60] (10.1016/j.jseint.2020.03.007)
- [L3] [61] (10.5397/cise.2023.00465)
- [L4] [64] (10.1016/j.otsr.2010.10.004)
- [L1] Preventive arthroscopic DCR is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis. [65] (10.1177/0363546514547254)
- [L4] [67] (10.1302/2058-5241.3.170027)
- [L4] The short-term follow-up of 15 recently operated patients reveals excellent radiologic and clinical results, with no subluxations or dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint noted. [68] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.12.015)
- [L5] [69] (10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00360)
- [L4] Treatment of ACD by synthetic ligament reconstruction gave satisfactory results, notably in terms of recovery of strength, but evolution is not risk-free with onset of significant early osteolysis. [70] (10.1016/j.otsr.2010.06.004)
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