ABOUT US
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Shoulder and Knee Specialist
ACROMIOCLAVICULAR (AC) ARTHRITIS KANDILNOTES
INTRODUCTION​
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Acromioclavicular (AC) Arthritis is one of the most common shoulder pathologies
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It is characterized by the pinching of the collarbone on the shoulder blade
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The repetitive motion and transmission of large loads through such a small joint, lead to acceleration of cartilage wear and tear
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More common in older patients, but can be present in patients in their teens or 20s
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Significantly higher incidence in weightlifters and other contact athletes
CAUSES
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Repetitive cross-body and overhead activities can predispose to AC Arthritis
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Predisposing factors include trauma or history of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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Pain in the top of the shoulder with certain arm positions, including overhead work and cross-body motions
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Tenderness over the top of the shoulder, where the shoulder blade meets the collar bone
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Prominence or bump in the top of the shoulder, at the AC joint
TREATMENT​​
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A course of physical therapy or a home exercise program is the mainstay of treatment for AC arthritis. The goal of PT is to strengthen the shoulder girdle
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Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen may help decrease inflammation from the rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial bursitis
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A corticosteroid injection in the subacromial space can locally decrease the inflammation and pain
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Surgery can be considered if patients fail conservative management. Surgery consists of an arthroscopic shoulder surgery called a mumford procedure. This procedure is minimally invasive and involves debriding the AC joint and removing a portion of the distal clavicle or collarbone to decrease rubbing and pain
PREVENTION​
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Activity modification and avoiding shoulder or arm positions that aggravate the pain