Your shoulder is made up of three bones, the scapula, the humerus and the clavicle. The part of your scapula that makes up the top of the shoulder and connects with your clavicle is called the acromion, and the joint where the acromion and the clavicle join is called the AC joint. This joint is a common spot for osteoarthritis to develop, especially when we get older. Today, we take a closer look at why osteoarthritis can develop in your acromioclavicular joint and how a shoulder specialist can help you treat the condition.
Causes And Symptoms Of AC Joint Osteoarthritis
Like many cases of osteoarthritis in other joints, strain and overuse are common factors in osteoarthritis onset. We use our arms quite regularly, but if you work in an industry or partake in hobbies where you’re regularly lifting your arms or cranking on your shoulder joint, wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis of the AC. Injury to the shoulder and AC joint can also expedite the degenerative process and lead to early onset osteoarthritis.
In the early stages of its onset, AC joint osteoarthritis tends to cause some mild discomfort in the form of pain, stiffness or tenderness. Symptoms are most noticeable in the front of the shoulder, and they tend to increase when the arm is brought across the chest, as this action compresses the AC joint. As the condition progresses, symptoms typically intensify and you may also notice an audible clicking or snapping sound as you move your shoulder. Range of motion may decrease as it becomes more uncomfortable to move your shoulder.
Diagnosing And Treating AC Joint Osteoarthritis
If you are dealing with any of the symptoms listed above or have reason to believe that you’re dealing with a similar shoulder issue, it’s time to set up an appointment with a shoulder specialist in your area. If you connect with Dr. Holloway, he’ll begin by reviewing your medical history and by asking about your symptoms. He’ll want to know when symptoms began, what symptoms you’re dealing with and if any actions serve to exacerbate them or provide relief.
Next, they’ll move forward with a physical examination. Your doctor will likely guide your arm across your chest to see if symptoms appear as the AC joint is compressed. Sometimes a local anesthetic is injected into the area, because if this motion can’t comfortably be done, the issue resides in the AC joint. Your doctor may be able to diagnose AC joint osteoarthritis with a physical examination alone, but they may also opt to confirm their suspicions with the help of an X-ray. An X-ray can help to show the narrowing of the joint and highlight any bone spurs in the area, which may be a byproduct of shoulder joint degeneration.
If AC joint osteoarthritis is the diagnosis, your doctor will begin walking you through common treatment protocols. In most instances, non-surgical routes are pursued first. This will involve a combination of the following:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
Your doctor may also recommend a corticosteroid injection to help provide more targeted inflammation relief so that an individual can more easily pursue active rehabilitation techniques. In the event that these techniques are not successful, a surgical procedure may be recommended. The most common surgical technique for AC joint osteoarthritis is resection arthroplasty, which involves removing a small portion of the clavicle. This relieves the discomfort caused by the bones rubbing together at the joint. After the procedure, you’ll be required to wear a sling and eventually begin a weeks-long physical therapy program. It usually takes about 2-3 months before a person can return to normal activities, but full recovery can take up to six months.
For more information about AC joint osteoarthritis, or for help treating a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
