Acromioclavicula Joint Arthrosis

Some joints in the body are more likely to develop problems due to normal wear and tear, or degeneration. The type of arthritis that occurs due to degeneration over time is called osteoarthritis. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a fairly common joint for developing osteoarthritis in middle age. This can lead to pain and difficulty using the shoulder for everyday activities.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthrosis is probably common due to the amount of stress the joint gets over the years as we use our shoulder constantly. This joint gets a lot of constant pressure as the arm is used overhead. Weightlifters have an increased incidence of the conditon - at a younger age. This may suggest that constant over head lifting activities increase the stress on the joint. The arthritis may be the result of an old injury to the joint, such as an acromioclavicular separation. This injury is fairly common and can result from a fall on the shoulder. The shoulder gets better after the injury and years may go by before the degeneration causes the acromioclavicular (AC) joint to become painful. Symptoms The symptoms of acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthrosis usually begin with pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder around the joint. The pain may be worse when the arm is brought across the chest, since this motion compresses the joint. The pain that occurs with this condition is a vague pain that may spread out 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 teh joint on the affected side that the other side. The joint may also click, or snap, as you move the shoulder.

The diagnosis is usually made by physical exam. Tenderness over the acromiolavicular (AC) joint is usually present. Pain with compression of the joint is a key finding. If you pull your bad arm underneath your chin as tight as you can with your good arm, this usually causes pain at the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, if the joint is where the problem is. Xrays of the AC joint may show narrowing of the joint and bone spurs around the joint. An injection of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, into thejoint will temporarily reduce the pain and confirm the diagnosis.