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Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis

Bryan G. Beutel, MD and Grace E. Thiel, BS Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a diarthrodial joint with an intra-articular fibrocartilaginous disc. Exhibits mainly gliding motion with minimal rotation. 

DESCRIPTION

  • Degenerative disease of th...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • History of trauma (prior AC separation and/or distal clavicular fracture)

  • History of overhead sports such as baseball, weight-lifting, tennis, and swimming

  • May complain of popping, clic...

TREATMENT

  • Most patients respond well to combination of activity modification, occupational therapy, medications, and steroid injections (2)[C].

  • Activity modifications

    • Decrease cross-body motions (golf,...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • Chronic degenerative condition that often progresses over time

  • Activity modification may slow progression.

  • Surgery may be definitive treatment.

REFERENCES

1
Flores DV, Kuenzer Goes P, Mejia Gomez C, et al. Imaging of the acromioclavicular joint: anatomy, function, pathologic features, and treatment. Radiographics. 2020;40(5):1355–1382.
2
Soler F...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Codsi M, Howe CR. Shoulder conditions: diagnosis and treatment guideline. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2015;26(3):467–489.

  • Krill MK, Rosas S,...

CODES

ICD10

  • M13.819 Other specified arthritis, unspecified shoulder

  • M19.019 Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified shoulder

  • M12.519 Traumatic arthropathy, unspecified shoulder

  • M19.219 Secondary osteoarthriti...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • AC joint arthritis is the second most common cause of shoulder pathology.

    • AC pain in younger patients < 40 years is typically due to trauma.

    • AC pain in middle-aged adults > 40 year...

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