AC Joint Osteoarthritis – Acromioclavicular Joint Osteoarthritis

An AC joint osteoarthritis (acromioclavicular joint) or shoulder osteoarthritis is a degeneration of the shoulder joint. In a healthy shoulder, cartilage provides soft cushioning for the shoulder joint. Over time, this cartilage can wear down due to age and cause pain. The AC joints allow you to raise your arms overhead and across your chest. In patients with AC joint osteoarthritis, shoulder movement may be restricted or painful.

Causes of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

There are several causes of shoulder osteoarthritis. With every shoulder movement, your AC joints and cartilage experience slight wear and tear. With increasing age, this daily wear and tear can lead to degeneration and thus to shoulder osteoarthritis. Patients whose daily activities require overuse of the shoulder may be more susceptible to developing AC joint osteoarthritis. Shoulder osteoarthritis can also result from a shoulder trauma or an injury that has damaged the shoulder cartilage.

Symptoms of Acromioclavicular Joint Osteoarthritis

· Pain during exertion

· Rest and night pain

· Neck tension

· Headaches

· Pain radiating into the chest

Diagnosis of AC Joint Osteoarthritis

During a clinical examination, I look for visible differences in your shoulder, such as tenderness or swelling. In some cases, an X-ray of the shoulder may also be necessary. This can clearly determine if the space between your shoulder bones is reduced, which is due to cartilage wear.

Treatment of AC Joint Osteoarthritis

Initially, AC joint osteoarthritis is treated conservatively, meaning non-surgically. The following therapies may be used:

· Anti-inflammatory drugs

· Avoiding painful activities

· Cortisone injections

· Physiotherapy

Surgery for AC Joint Osteoarthritis

If all conservative measures have been exhausted and have not led to lasting improvement, surgical intervention may be necessary.

AC joint arthroscopy is an arthroscopic shoulder surgery in which a few millimeters of the collarbone are removed and the joint surfaces are smoothed. This significantly reduces friction and bone grinding and can alleviate pain and inflammation.

Arthroscopic AC joint resection generally has very good success rates. Most patients report a significant reduction in pain and improved shoulder function.

Aftercare for AC Joint Osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy after the operation helps you mobilize your arm. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications should be taken during the first few weeks after the operation.

Are you looking for an experienced shoulder specialist in Vienna? Do not hesitate to contact me. My practice in the Health Service Center of the Wiener Privatklinik is centrally located on Lazarettgasse in the 9th district of Vienna.

Dr. Mark Schurz

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