Acromioclavicular Arthritis

About The Acromioclavicular Joint

The acromioclavicular joint (ac joint) is a joint that connects the clavicle and scapula. This joint is prone to developing degenerative changes. These degenerative changes include degeneration and tearing of the fibrocartilaginous disc that exisits within the joint in addition to the deterioration of the joint cartilage and ‘bone spurring’.

The Inury

This problem is more often seen in heavy laborers and weight lifters as a result of excessive repetitive physical stress on the joint from heavy lifting and carrying. The symptoms of this condition are shoulder pain and weakness. At Regional Orthopedics this condition can be treated using a minimally invasive arthroscopic technique wherebye degenerative material within the joint can be debrided and the distal 1.5cm portion of the clavicle can be removed. The joint debridement and distal clavicle excision prevents further contact between the bones alleviating the pain.

The Procedure

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and complete recovery is typically a few weeks.