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Shoulder

AC Joint Osteoarthritis

What is shoulder acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis?

AC joint arthritis affects the small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (acromion). As the cartilage wears down over time, the joint becomes painful and stiff, especially during certain shoulder movements.

AC joint arthritis commonly develops from wear and tear with age (degenerative arthritis). It can also result from past injuries like AC joint separations, repetitive use (especially weightlifting or overhead activity), or chronic stress on the joint.

Symptoms include pain on top of the shoulder, tenderness to touch, and discomfort with reaching across the body or lifting overhead. Patients may also notice swelling, a bony bump over the joint, or grinding sensations during movement.

Diagnosis is based on physical exam findings, including tenderness over the AC joint and pain with specific shoulder movements. X-rays often show joint narrowing, bone spurs, or joint irregularities. MRI may help rule out other causes of shoulder pain.

Non-surgical treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. These options often provide relief for mild to moderate symptoms. If symptoms persist, surgery may be considered.

Rather than total shoulder replacement (which is used for glenohumeral arthritis), AC joint arthritis is typically treated with a minimally invasive procedure called distal clavicle excision. In this procedure, a small portion of the collarbone is removed to eliminate painful bone-on-bone contact while preserving shoulder function.

Recovery is typically quicker than major shoulder surgeries. Most patients wear a sling for comfort for a short time, then begin physical therapy. Return to daily activities is usually within a few weeks, and full recovery is expected in about 12 weeks.

If you or a loved one suffer with shoulder arthritis, schedule a consultation with board-certified and fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon Dr. Sachin Allahabadi. Widely regarded as one of the leading shoulder surgeons in Houston, Dr. Allahabadi specializes in the treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions using advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques. He has offices in The Woodlands and proudly treats patients from The Woodlands and Houston,TX. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your treatment options and begin your recovery.

At a Glance

Sachin Allahabadi, MD

  • Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon
  • Expertise in Minimally Invasive Knee & Shoulder Surgeries
  • Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital & Weill Cornell Medical College
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