ACJ Arthritis

What is ACJ Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for the deterioration of a joint, and in the shoulder there are two joints which may be affected – the acromioclavicular joint or AC joint, which is where the clavicle (collarbone) meets the tip of the shoulder bone (acromion), and the glenohumeral or scapulothoracic joint where the humerus (larger arm bone) meets with the scapula (shoulder blade).

There are three main types of arthritis which affect the shoulder.

ACJ Arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis – This is the ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. It is a deterioration of the smooth surface (articular cartilage) of the bone, and is most common in people over 50 years of age. It is more common in the acromioclavicular shoulder joint.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – This is a systemic inflammatory condition of the joint lining (synovium) where the body’s own immune system attacks the joint and surrounding tissue. This form of arthritis can occur at any age and usually affects multiple joints on both sides of the body.
  • Post traumatic Arthritis – This is a form of osteoarthritis which occurs after an injury, for example, a fracture, dislocation or a rotator cuff tear.

What causes ACJ arthritis?

The principal cause of AC joint arthritis is use. As a person uses his/her arm and shoulder, stress is placed on the joint. This stress produces wear and tear on the cartilage, the cartilage becomes worn over time, and eventually arthritis of the joint may occur. Another cause is an old injury to the AC joint, such as ACJ separation. Any activity that can put pressure on the joint, either normal or excessive, may eventually cause the arthritis condition.

Persons who must use their arms for extended periods of time are susceptible to AC joint arthritis. Constant overhead lifting, such as is engaged in by weightlifters or construction workers who work overhead, can increase the incidence of the disease. Other susceptible individuals are athletes participating in contact sports or engaging in any activity which may result in a fall on the end of the shoulder. Any blunt force to the shoulder in the course of work, household activities, or accident may cause, over time, an osteoarthritic condition of the AC joint.

What are the symptoms?

In its early stages, AC joint osteoarthritis usually causes pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder around the joint. The pain is often worse when the arm is brought across the chest, since this motion compresses the joint. The pain is vague and may spread to include the shoulder, the front of the chest, and the neck. If the joint has been injured in the past, there may be a bigger bump over the joint on the affected shoulder than on the unaffected shoulder. The joint may also click or snap as it moves.

How is it diagnosed?

Your surgeon will need a detailed medical history and will complete a thorough physical examination of the shoulder. To aid diagnosis, your doctor may inject a local anaesthetic directly into the joint. If the injection temporarily relieves the pain, this supports the diagnosis of AC joint arthritis. An X- ray will usually confirm the diagnosis with typical narrowing of the joint space.

What are the treatment options?

Initial nonsurgical treatment for AC joint osteoarthritis usually consists of rest and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. A rehabilitation program may be directed by a physiotherapist. If the pain does not resolve, an injection of cortisone into the joint may help. Cortisone is a strong medication that decreases inflammation and reduces pain. Cortisone’s effects are often temporary, but it can give very effective relief in the short term.

If nonsurgical measures fail to relieve your pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure for AC joint osteoarthritis is resection arthroplasty. A resection arthroplasty involves removing a small portion of the end of the clavicle. This leaves a space between the acromion (the piece of the scapula that meets your shoulder) and the cut end of the clavicle, where the joint used to be. Your surgeon will take care not to remove too much of the end of the clavicle to prevent any damage to the ligaments holding the joint together. Usually only a small portion is removed, less than 1 cm. As your body heals, the joint is replaced by scar tissue. The scar tissue allows movement but stops the bone ends from rubbing together.

Today, it is more common to do this procedure using the arthroscope. An arthroscope is a slender tool with a tiny TV camera on the end. It lets the surgeon work in the joint through a very small incision. This may result in less damage to the normal tissues surrounding the joint, leading to faster healing and recovery. The older, open method of performing this operation is done by making a small incision, less than two inches long, over the AC joint.

How important is rehabilitation after surgery?

Rehabilitation plays a critical role in the surgical treatment of AC joint arthritis, and the pre-surgical condition of the shoulder muscles and tendons play the biggest role in surgery outcome. Exercises typically begin on the day after surgery with emphasis on moving the shoulder, wrist, and hand, with the focus of physiotherapy being on achieving full motion, but not strength. Strengthening exercises will begin at about twelve weeks from the time of surgery. This delay is necessary to allow the tissues to heal. Starting strengthening exercises too early may lead to complications.

How can I prevent getting ACJ arthritis?

  • Keep doing as much of your normal routine as possible
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Remain active to keep muscle strength from diminishing. If you work up to a well-designed exercise
    program, you can keep or even improve joint flexibility.
  • Keep repetitive overhead activity to a minimum
  • Rest only when joints are very painful.

The patient information sheets are intended to provide general information only and are not a substitute for medical advice about your particular condition.

 

MEMBERSHIPS

 

American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons Australian Orthopaedic Association   Royal Australian College of Surgeons    International Society of Arthoscopy, Knee Surgery & Orthpaedic Sports Medicine     Queensland Shoulder Society

 Australian Knee Society  Shoulder & elbow society of Australia  Australian_Medical_Association    SPORTS MEDICINE AUSTRALIA    american board of independent medical examiners

     

AFFILIATIONS

 

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