AC Joint Osteoarthritis - Acromioclavicular Arthritis

AC joint osteoarthritis includes degenerative changes in the articular cartilage and other structures in the AC joint
resulting in pain, stiffness, and weakness in the shoulder.
The acromioclavicular joint is the point where the distal end of the clavicle meets the acromion
In a healthy joint, the collarbone end and the articular facit of the acromion are covered with slippery cartilage
Although there is a small amount of motion through the ac joint,
it plays an important role in shoulder movements such as elevating the arm over the head.
slippery articular cartilage helps to ease these movements.
In degenerative AC joint arthritis,
the cartilage lining the acromion and covering the end of the collarbone becomes inflamed and damaged.
When the articular cartilage degenerates, the space between the acromion and the end of the collarbone narrows and disappears gradually,
and the bones begin to rub against each other.
Osteophytes may be formed later, which may increase friction between the bones.
These osteophytes can rub the tendons and muscles of the rotator cuff, which increases shoulder pain,
this condition is known as subacromion impingement syndrome.
Causes
Cartilage weakens with age, which is why osteoarthritis in all joints is more common in older people
The kind of work and physical activity may expose the AC joint to small but frequent “mini-traumas”,
making it more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
as in public vehicle drivers,
weightlifting and painters
fracture, dislocation or previous surgery can cause damage to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and eventually lead to osteoarthritis
symptoms
Activity related pain
it is vague and may spread to include the shoulder, the front of the chest, and the neck
Laying on the affected shoulder can be painful.
As the disease progresses the pain will continue when you are at rest
and will begin to interfere with sleep.
The spot where the acromioclavicular joint is, located at the front and top of the shoulder, may feel tender and painful with palpation.
diagnosis
To diagnose shoulder OA, you should answer to your doctor questions about your symptoms and medical history.
The shoulder will be examined for signs of previous injury, tenderness and pain points, and muscle weakness.
The doctor will observe differences between the affected shoulder and the unaffected shoulder.
He will order shoulder xray to evaluate your shoulder
X-rays can show narrowing of the ac joint and bone spurs around the joint,
It is important to note that some people may have x-rays that show significant signs of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis
and experience no pain,
while others may have x-rays that show few signs of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and have significant pain
Treatment
analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
may reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by AC joint osteoarthritis.
Some daily activities and exercise may need to be avoided if they cause pain in the AC joint
you can loosen a stiff AC joint by using warming pad for a few minutes before performing painful movements.
Applying ice to the joint for 15 minutes after these movements can reduce swelling and provide immediate pain relief.
In contrast to treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis, physical therapy less effective for people who have isolated acromioclavicular arthritis.
However, exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening muscles and maintaining the shoulder’s range of motion may be helpful.
your doctor may use a stem cell or platelet rich plasma injections (PRP).
these injections may reduce pain and possibly encourage cartilage growth.
anti-inflammatory steroid injections which reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief.
If osteoarthritis symptoms are severe and activity modification and nonoperative treatments do not succeed,
arthroscopic distal clavicle resection may provide relief.
distal clavicle resection involves removing a small portion of the end of the clavicle, thereby eliminating friction between the clavicle and scapula.
post-surgery rehabillitation
you will wear the sling continuously day and night for at least the first few days.
You may remove the sling when you feel comfortable.
Intermittent use of the sling may need to continue for three to six weeks.
Begin pendulum exercises, swinging your arm in pendulum-like motions on day post-surgery.
you should do 5 times daily exercises.
your doctor will recommend you start physiotherapy to strengthen the shoulder and improve range of motion 1-week post-surgery
Patient cannot drive until they are off all pain medications,
completely out of the sling
Most patients performing sedentary or low demand work
can return to work within 7 to 10 days.
#shoulderpain
#acromioclavicular
#arthritis
#osteoarthritis
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[@szudy76]

I have this in both shoulders with impingement in the right. Hurts a lot. I’m 47, no previous injury to AC joints

[@deckearns]

Has anyone had this surgery?

[@hohee9199]

I have back in june. Im over 2 months of recovery rn, still healing. I have noticed some difference but I can’t provide with a full answer yet since it still feels tender, sensitive and fragile when i touch it. But im capable of going back to work

[@zohebansari6429]

​@@hohee9199hey man at what age you did it ??

[@jaberyamen6611]

❤

[@navmNavm-nc2yz]

Sir can we grow cartilage