What is the AC Joint?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where your collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (acromion). This joint helps transfer forces from your arm to the center of your body and is crucial for many shoulder movements. Over time, this joint can wear down, especially with activities that put extra stress on it.
Why Does AC Joint Degeneration Happen?
Daily activities involving shoulder movement place stress on the AC joint. If the joint is overused—especially with extreme movements or muscle imbalances—it can start to wear out early. People who do overhead activities like weightlifting or swimming are particularly prone to this issue. Additionally, previous injuries to the joint, such as AC joint separation, can lead to arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms?
If you have AC joint arthritis, you might experience:
- Pain and tenderness at the front of your shoulder
- Increased pain when moving your arm across your chest
- A noticeable bump over the joint
How is It Diagnosed?
Your doctor will start with a detailed medical history and physical examination. An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis by showing signs of joint wear, such as narrowing of the joint space and bone spurs.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Ice: To reduce acute pain.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Improves movement and strengthens shoulder muscles.
Surgical Treatments: If non-surgical options don’t help, surgery might be necessary. The most common procedure is resection arthroplasty, where a small part of the end of the collarbone is removed to relieve pain and improve function. This is usually done using minimally invasive arthroscopy (key-hole surgery).
After Surgery:
- Rest and Ice: To manage pain post-surgery.
- Physical Therapy: Started after a couple of weeks to restore joint function and muscle coordination.
Case Scenario:
A 50 year avid swimmer has been having constant pain on the top of the shoulder, especially with overhead movements. There was no relief even after trying rest, ice, and physical therapy. On assessment, he was found to be suffering from painful AC joint arthritis. He opted for resection arthroplasty. Post-surgery, he followed a specific rehabilitation program, which helped him to return to swimming pain-free and with improved shoulder function.
If you think you might have AC joint arthritis or need more information on treatment options, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help you get back to doing what you love, pain-free.