ACROMIO-CLAVICULAR JOINT (ACJ) ARTHRITIS

WHERE IS THE AC JOINT?

The AC joint is a small joint formed by the end of the clavicle (collar bone) and the acromion. The acromion is part of the scapula (shoulder blade), most of which is on the back, but the acromion curves forwards over the top of the shoulder joint and meets the clavicle at the front. The joint moves very little in comparison to the nearby shoulder joint but tremendous forces travel through it particularly in manual and overhead workers or sports people. Inside the joint is a small cartilage disc which degenerates as we get older (from the age of 20 years old !) and may have disappeared completely by our 40s. There are ligaments and a capsule to keep the joint aligned.

AC JOINT ARTHRITIS

Like any joint, it is susceptible to wear and tear (arthritis). This can co-exist with Impingement symptoms but they are not really directly connected. As one gets older, the joint narrows and as a result many patients over the age of 50 can have X-ray evidence of arthritis here. That does not mean to say it causes pain though.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Patients may complain of pain directly over the joint. Pain is generally worse on above-the-shoulder activity, lifting heavy items and sleeping on the affected side. Pain is often worse on bringing the arm across the chest as if you were putting your hand on your opposite shoulder.

HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE?

Pain localised over the AC joint which increases on direct pressure and pain in the AC joint when bringing your arm across your chest are signs that the AC joint is involved in your symptoms.

An X-ray may show narrowing of the joint associated with other changes of arthritis such as osteophytes and erosion of the smooth joint surface.

ACJ after subacromial decompression (co-planing) but before ACJ excision.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?

Treatment commences with simple measures like rest, modification of activity and painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Physiotherapy may help but is unlikely to be of lasting benefit.

An injection of local anaesthetic and steroid is often beneficial to reduce pain. This injection is often done under ultrasound guidance and not in the clinic. This is becasue the joint is usually very narrow and it is important to get the needle in the right spot. This may be enough to settle your symptoms completely but often the sypmtoms return some weeks or months later. The injection was however still helpful in that, if it relieved your pain, it confirms the source for further treatment.

SURGERY

If the above treatments only provide short term relief then surgery in the form of an Arthroscopic Acromio-clavicular Joint Excision can be performed, often at the same time as subacromial decompression. This is key hole surgery and a burr (small rotating saw blade) is passed through the joint to widen the gap. The joint still moves and performs its function but the ends will no longer rub together, thus reducing your pain.

REHABILITATION

ACJ excision (viewed from below)

You will be given a sling after the procedure which you can discard when you are comfortable, usually at about 48 hours after the surgery. Even if your shoulder is painful, you should keep your hand, wrist and elbow moving so that you do not develop stiffness in these joints. You cannot drive a car until normal mobility below shoulder height returns in your arm which is commonly at the 2 weeks mark. Most patients symptoms settle down within 6 to 12 weeks of the operation.

ACROMIO-CLAVICULAR JOINT PAIN IN YOUNG PATIENTS

The AC joint is loaded heavily in overhead activities. Therefore in athletes (especially weight-lifters) or in heavy manual labourers, the AC joint may be overloaded leading either to damage to the cartilage within the joint or osteolysis (absorption of the bone) of the end of the clavicle (collar bone). Osteolysis is rare but is essentially a stress fracture (small break) of the outer end of the clavicle where the bone has been repeatedly overloaded exceeding the ability of the bone to heal sufficiently between injuries.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

This tends to affect a younger age group (< 40 years) than AC joint arthritis. You may feel pain on the top of the shoulder, localised to the AC joint and have pain on activity and on sleeping on that side.

HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE?

On examination, pain with direct pressure over the joint will often bring on the symptoms. Also, the Scarf Test may be positive. This is where the arm is brought across the chest as if putting your hand on your other shoulder, or indeed, wrapping a scarf around your neck.

ACJ excision (viewed from within the AC joint)

HOW IS IT INVESTIGATED?

On plain X-ray there may be a loss of bone (osteolysis) from the outer end of the clavicle. MRI may show swelling, fluid and inflammation around AC joint.

HOW CAN THIS BE TREATED?

The symptoms may resolve with rest alone. 6-8 weeks complete rest from overhead weightlifting or heavy manual labour over shoulder-height is required to allow the bone to heal. Ultimately excision of the joint can be performed, as above.

Spire Elland Hospital

Elland Lane
Elland
HX5 9EB

For an appointment, telephone:
Clinic bookings on 01422 324 069
Self pay enquiries on 01422 229 597
Main Hospital on 01422 229 632

BMI The Huddersfield Hospital

Birkby Hall Road
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD2 2BL

Reception: 01484 533 131

Department of Orthopaedics & Trauma

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
Acre Street
Lindley
Huddersfield
HD3 3EA

NHS Secretary:
Mrs Margaret Thomas
Tel 01484 342 343

NHS Clinics

Trauma:
Calderdale Royal Hospital (Halifax) and
Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Elective Shoulder and Elbow problems:
Friday morning at Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax