Acromioclavicular joint injuries
Distal clavicle resection and arthroscopic treatment of the symptomatic acromioclavicular joint.
- What it is
- The acromioclavicular joint connects the clavicle to the acromion. Its wear, injuries after a fall and osteolysis in strength athletes cause localised pain at the top of the shoulder.
- When it is indicated
- Surgery is indicated for persistent pain that does not improve with medical treatment and injections, and in selected injuries with joint instability.
- How it is performed
- Arthroscopically, the distal end of the clavicle is resected to remove the painful contact and any associated shoulder pathology is treated in the same operation. In unstable injuries, stabilisation techniques are performed.
- Recovery
- A sling for comfort for a few days and early motion. Return to the gym and sport is progressive, within a few weeks for an isolated resection.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- Distal clavicle resection
- Arthroscopic treatment of selected acromioclavicular injuries
- Assessment and treatment of associated pathology
Other procedures
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
- SLAP tears and biceps pathology
- Shoulder stiffness and adhesive capsulitis
- Shoulder cartilage and arthritis
- Complex rotator cuff reconstructions
- Shoulder arthroscopy
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.