एसी संयुक्त ऑस्टियोआर्थराइटिस

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview¶

• Asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI remained asymptomatic in 90% of cases over a seven-year period [3].
• Symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis occurred in 15.9% of patients following total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years [8].
• Treatment choice for acromioclavicular dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [1].
• Untreated acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, whether symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is associated with a low percentage of failure [4].
• Acromioclavicular joint arthritis is not an indication for routine distal clavicle excision in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [4].
• Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed [2].
• A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis appears unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following a preoperative acromioclavicular injection [7].
• Limited distal clavicle excision in patients with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up [10].
• Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [14].
• Open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques each have a unique set of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique [14].
• Biplanar reconstruction with pectoralis minor tendon and coracoacromial ligament transfer aims to preserve the lateral portion of the clavicle whenever possible [9].
• In biplanar reconstruction for chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations, resection is limited exclusively to cases of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis or irreducible joints [9].
• Clinicians should consider overreduction of the acromioclavicular joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results in acute high-grade dislocations [6].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶

Joint Structure and Biomechanics¶

• The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a diarthrodial joint that supports the shoulder girdle through the clavicular “strut” [29].
• The AC joint serves as a primary link between the axial skeleton and the upper extremity [67].
• The AC joint is movable in all planes and is not a rigid structure [67].
• The normal AC joint is capable of translating 4 to 6 mm in the anterior, posterior, and superior planes under 70-N loads [67].
• The AC joint accommodates rotary motion of 5° to 8° during scapulothoracic motion and 40° to 45° with shoulder abduction and elevation [67].
• The AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are the static stabilizers of the AC joint, whereas the deltoid and trapezius muscles are the dynamic stabilizers [67].
• The horizontal plane stability of the clavicle is provided by the AC ligaments, specifically the posterior and superior portions [15].
• The scapula and clavicle are linked into a single segment referred to as the “claviscapula” [69].
• The AC and CC ligaments play a role in torque transduction and horizontal and vertical stability within the scapulohumeral rhythm [69].
• Kinematic changes resulting from AC joint dislocation can be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder [33].
• Scapular and clavicular kinematics are affected in AC separation models [34].

Ligamentous Anatomy and Injury Progression¶

• Injury to the AC joint results in progressive disruption of the ligamentous support, beginning with the capsular ligaments and progressing to the CC ligaments [16].
• The extent of injury to the AC and CC ligaments, as well as the amount and direction of clavicle displacement, often determines the severity of AC joint separation [41].
• Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the AC capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation [11].
• Although various reconstruction techniques can restore different elements of joint kinematics, none completely restores the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state [31].

Pathoanatomy of Degenerative Conditions¶

• AC joint osteoarthritis is more common with advanced age following degeneration of the intra-articular disk [15].
• Arthritic deterioration of the AC joint starts in early middle age [15].
• AC joint osteoarthritis is more common in patients engaged in repetitive overhead or lifting activities [15].
• Previous low-grade AC joint separations can result in painful arthritis [15].
• The radiographic severity of AC joint arthritis does not always correlate with patient symptoms [15].
• Asymptomatic AC joint degeneration is frequent and does not always correlate with the presence of symptoms [29].
• Distal clavicle osteolysis involves localized hyperemia of the distal clavicle, resulting in inflammation, bone resorption, microfractures, and secondary arthritis of the AC joint [15].
• Distal clavicle osteolysis is more common in males and seen in younger patients [15].
• Distal clavicle osteolysis is associated with heavy lifting or repetitive motions [15].

Radiographic Anatomy and Normal Values¶

• The normal coracoclavicular (CC) distance on an AP radiograph should be less than 11 to 13 mm [15].
• The normal coracoclavicular distance, measured between the superior aspect of the coracoid and the inferior clavicle, should be between 11 to 13 mm [16].
• Bone and joint edema on MRI correlate with AC joint pain [15].
• Osteophyte formation, sclerotic reaction, and bone cysts are commonly seen on radiographs of the AC joint in osteoarthritis [15].

Classification¶

• AC joint osteoarthritis is graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system [61].
• Cuff tear arthropathy is graded using the Hamada classification system [61].
• Radiographic signs of AC joint osteoarthritis include joint space narrowing, osteophytosis, and cyst formation [12].
• Asymptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis is defined by the presence of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis without clinical symptoms such as AC joint tenderness or a positive cross-body adduction test [12].
• Symptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis is characterized by AC joint pain, tenderness to palpation, and temporary pain relief with intra-articular injection [12].
• The Rockwood classification is used to evaluate acute acromioclavicular dislocations, including types III and IV [64].
• The Rockwood classification includes types III through V for severe chronic symptomatic AC joint separations [51].
• The Rockwood classification includes type V for high-grade acromioclavicular dislocations [19].
• The AC-DC measurement and Alexander view are used to define watershed cases of AC joint displacement, specifically types IIIA, IIB, and IV [18].
• Evaluating the integrity of capsuloligamentous structures stabilizing the AC joint provides information on injury severity that may influence treatment decisions [28].

Clinical Presentation¶

History and Symptoms¶

• Patients report activity-related pain localized to the AC joint [15].
• Pain may radiate anteriorly or along the trapezius [15].
• Pain is reported with heavy lifting or when sleeping on the affected side [15].
• Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over a 7-year course [3].
• Symptomatic ACJ OA occurred in 15.9% of patients after total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years [8].
• Radiographic severity of arthritis does not always correlate with patient symptoms [15].

Physical Examination¶

• Point tenderness is seen at the AC joint [15].
• Horizontal stability should be assessed during physical examination [15].
• Pain at the AC joint with terminal elevation and cross-body motion is often seen [15].
• Selective injection of anesthetic into the AC joint can confirm the diagnosis [15].
• Tenderness to palpation at the AC joint is a risk factor for subsequent distal clavicle resection after rotator cuff repair [26].
• Female sex is a risk factor for subsequent distal clavicle resection after rotator cuff repair [26].
• Surgery on the dominant side is a risk factor for subsequent distal clavicle resection after rotator cuff repair [26].
• Subsequent distal clavicle resection was performed in 40% of cases with a combination of AC joint tenderness, female sex, and surgery on the dominant side [26].

Imaging¶

• An AP view and/or a Zanca view of the shoulder provides good visualization of the AC joint [15].
• Osteophyte formation, sclerotic reaction, and bone cysts are commonly seen on radiographs [15].
• CT imaging signs of osteoarthritis at the AC joint include joint space narrowing, osteophytosis, and cyst formation [12].
• Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty [13].

Investigations¶

Clinical Evaluation¶

• Patients with AC joint osteoarthritis report activity-related pain localized to the AC joint, with occasional radiation anteriorly or along the trapezius [15].
• Pain with heavy lifting or when sleeping on the affected side is reported in patients with AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
• Physical examination of symptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis includes point tenderness at the AC joint [15].
• Horizontal stability of the AC joint should be assessed during physical examination [15].
• Pain at the AC joint with terminal elevation and cross-body motion is often seen in patients with AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
• Selective injection of anesthetic into the AC joint can confirm the diagnosis of symptomatic AC joint osteoarthritis [15].

Imaging¶

• An AP view and/or a Zanca view of the shoulder provides good visualization of the AC joint for evaluating osteoarthritis [15].
• Osteophyte formation, sclerotic reaction, and bone cysts are commonly seen on radiographs of the AC joint in patients with osteoarthritis [15].
• Patients with edema on MRI are more likely to present pain than patients without edema [60].
• Subchondral bone edema on histologic examination is more frequent in patients with pain [60].
• The radiographic severity of arthritis does not always correlate with patient symptoms [15].
• The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) [18].
• Normal coracoclavicular distance on an AP radiograph should be less than 11 to 13 mm [15].
• The normal CC distance on an AP radiograph should be between 11 to 13 mm [16].

Diagnostic Injections and Prognostic Indicators¶

• A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following preoperative acromioclavicular injection [7].
• Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over 7 years [3].
• Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is associated with a low percentage of failure [4].
• Preventive arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis [65].
• Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed [2].

Treatment¶

Non-Operative Management¶

• Rest, ice, and NSAIDs are used initially for AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
• Corticosteroid injections can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in AC joint osteoarthritis [15].
• Conservative and surgical treatments are both effective in acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis management [22].
• AC injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47% in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [27].
• A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following preoperative injection [7].
• Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular injections for isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [24].
• Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% over 7 years [3].
• Non-operative reduction and stabilization of high-grade AC joint separations seems to be a valuable treatment option [46].
• Type V AC dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy [19].

Operative Management¶

• Surgical indications for AC joint osteoarthritis include persistent pain and failure of nonsurgical treatment [15].
• Relative contraindications for surgical treatment of AC joint osteoarthritis include a previous low-grade separation with persistent horizontal plane instability [15].
• Biomechanical evidence suggests a resection of 5 mm is needed to prevent contact between the clavicle and the acromion in the absence of instability during arthroscopic distal clavicle excision [15].
• Care should be taken to preserve the posterior and superior AC ligaments during arthroscopic distal clavicle excision [15].
• Pain relief is reliable in >90% of patients following arthroscopic distal clavicle excision in the absence of instability [15].
• Previous traumatic instability is associated with persistent pain in 30% to 40% of cases following distal clavicle excision [15].
• One systematic review showed slightly better results with arthroscopic excision than with open distal clavicle excision [15].
• Direct comparison studies have shown similar or better results with arthroscopic excision than with open techniques for distal clavicle resection [15].
• Between 5 and 10 mm of the distal clavicle should be resected during an open distal clavicle resection (Mumford procedure) [15].
• Meticulous repair of the deltotrapezial fascia is important during open distal clavicle resection [15].
• Limited distal clavicle excision of patients with AC joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up [10].
• The biplanar reconstruction procedure aims to preserve the lateral portion of the clavicle whenever possible, limiting resection exclusively to cases of AC joint osteoarthritis or irreducible joints [9].
• Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns following revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder [5].
• Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results in acute high-grade dislocations [6].

Rehabilitation¶

• Acute rehabilitation (zero to 7 days postoperative) for distal clavicle excision includes a sling, ice, and pendulum exercises [15].
• Subacute rehabilitation (1 to 6 weeks postoperative) for distal clavicle excision involves gradually increasing shoulder ROM, gentle passive stretching and ROM as tolerated, reducing sling use as pain permits, and avoiding heavy lifting or strengthening exercises [15].
• Late recovery (more than 6 weeks postoperative) for distal clavicle excision involves full shoulder ROM and stretching, initiation of rotator cuff, scapular stabilizer, and deltoid strengthening, and heavy weight lifting and return to full activities as tolerated [15].
• Residual pain or soreness can persist for 3 to 4 months after distal clavicle excision and can be aggravated by heavy lifting [15].
• Activity progression after distal clavicle excision should be modified according to symptoms [15].

Complications¶

Post-operative Osteoarthritis and Joint Degeneration¶

• Patients with loss of immediate postoperative reduction after AC joint dislocation repair more often developed radiologic and symptomatic AC osteoarthritis than those in whom the AC joint was anatomically restored [17].
• Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes following rotator cuff repair [48].
• An unhealed or re-torn rotator cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis following rotator cuff repair [48].
• Severe acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis is associated with acromial stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty [13].

Surgical Technique and Stability Complications¶

• Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results [6].
• Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic AC osteoarthritis, though each has a unique set of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique [14].

Natural History and Diagnostic Considerations¶

• Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic RCR is associated with a low percentage of failure [4].
• The outcomes of a retrospective study suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome [7].

Recovery¶

Non-Operative¶

• Asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI remained asymptomatic in 90% of cases over a 7-year period [3].
• Acromioclavicular injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47% in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [27].
• Outcomes suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome following preoperative injection [7].
• Type V acromioclavicular dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy [19].

Operative¶

• Symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis occurred in 15.9% of patients after total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years [8].
• Osteoarthrotic changes were always associated with fair or poor results in surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation [30].
• Treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation by synthetic ligament reconstruction gave satisfactory results in terms of recovery of strength, but evolution is not risk-free with the onset of significant early osteolysis [70].
• Outcomes after arthroscopic coracoclavicular reconstruction for chronic, type V acromioclavicular dislocations show sustained and statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes as well as high rates of return to sport and maintenance of active-duty military status at long-term follow-up [56].
• Short-term follow-up of patients treated with minimally invasive coracoclavicular ligament augmentation for total acromioclavicular joint dislocation reveals excellent radiologic and clinical results, with no subluxations or dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint noted [68].

General Principles¶

• Choice of treatment for acromioclavicular dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [1].
• Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the acromioclavicular capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation [11].
• No long term disability results from the loss of the coraco-acromial ligament from its normal site [50].

Key Evidence¶

• [L4] Based on the available evidence, treatment choice for AC dislocation should not be influenced by the potential development of AC OA. [1] (10.2106/jbjs.rvw.24.00085)
• [L2] Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed. [2] (10.1007/s00167-014-3114-2)
• [L2] Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% over 7 years. [3] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.04.004)
• [L2] Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic RCR is associated with a low percentage of failure. [4] (10.1007/s00167-020-06098-y)
• [L4] Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns. [5] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.073)
• [L3] Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results. [6] (10.1177/0363546519862850)
• [L4] The outcomes of this study seem to suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome. [7] (10.5397/cise.2023.00073)
• [L4] Symptomatic ACJ OA occurred in 15.9% of patients after total anatomic shoulder replacement with follow-up of up to 12 years. [8] (10.1177/17585732221114796)
• [L5] The procedure aims to preserve the lateral portion of the clavicle whenever possible, limiting resection exclusively to cases of AC joint osteoarthritis or irreducible joints. [9] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103104)
• [L4] Limited distal clavicle excision of patients with AC joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up. [10] (10.1016/j.otsr.2016.01.008)
• [L5] Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the AC capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation. [11] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.01.038)
• [L3] [12] (10.1007/s00402-019-03258-9)
• [L3] Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing RSA. [13] (10.1016/j.jseint.2021.11.008)
• [L5] Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic AC osteoarthritis, though each has a unique set of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique. [14] (10.1177/0363546513485359)
• [L4] [17] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.11.001)
• [L4] The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides the clinician with a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) and may better inform the decision-making process regarding management options and recommendations. [18] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.014)
• [L4] This suggests that Type V AC dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy. [19] (10.1177/2325967115s00017)
• [L4] Conservative and surgical treatments are both effective in acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis management. [22] (10.1007/s00167-020-06377-8)
• [L4] Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular injections. [24] (10.5397/cise.2023.00311)
• [L3] Risk factors for subsequent DCE included tenderness to palpation at the AC joint, female sex, and surgery on the dominant side, with subsequent DCE performed in 40% of cases with a combination of these 3 factors. [26] (10.1177/2325967119844295)
• [L4] AC injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47%. [27] (10.5397/cise.2023.00031)
• [L1] Evaluating the integrity of the capsuloligamentous structures stabilizing the AC joint is reproducible and gives additional information on the severity of the injury, which might also influence the treatment decision. [28] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.10.026)
• [L5] [29] (10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004)
• [L4] Osteoarthrotic changes, however, were always associated with fair or poor results. [30] (10.1016/0020-1383(83)90092-x)
• [L5] Although each technique was able to restore different elements of the joint kinematics, none of the strategies completely restored the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state. [31] (10.1177/03635465221095231)
• [L5] The kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation. [33] (10.1177/0363546512458571)
• [L5] Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models. [34] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.004)
• [L4] Non-operative reduction and stabilization of high-grade AC joint separations seems to be a valuable treatment option. [46] (10.1007/s00402-020-03630-0)
• [L4] Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes, and an unhealed or re-torn cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis. [48] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.03.007)
• [L4] No long term disability results from the loss of the coraco-acromial ligament from its normal site. [50] (10.1016/s0020-1383(80)80045-3)
• [L4] Severe chronic symptomatic AC joint separations (Rockwood types III through V) can be repaired entirely by arthroscopy safely and effectively by transferring the coracoacromial ligament with a bone block in the distal clavicle. [51] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.008)
• [L4] Outcomes after arthroscopic CC reconstruction for chronic, type V AC dislocations in an active-duty military patient population show sustained and statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes as well as high rates of return to sport and maintenance of active-duty military status at long-term follow-up. [56] (10.1016/j.arthro.2025.05.008)
• [L4] Patients with edema on MRI were more likely to present pain than patients without edema, and subchondral bone edema on histologic examination was more frequent in patients with pain. [60] (10.1016/j.jseint.2020.03.007)
• [L3] [61] (10.5397/cise.2023.00465)
• [L4] [64] (10.1016/j.otsr.2010.10.004)
• [L1] Preventive arthroscopic DCR is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis. [65] (10.1177/0363546514547254)
• [L4] [67] (10.1302/2058-5241.3.170027)
• [L4] The short-term follow-up of 15 recently operated patients reveals excellent radiologic and clinical results, with no subluxations or dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint noted. [68] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.12.015)
• [L5] [69] (10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00360)
• [L4] Treatment of ACD by synthetic ligament reconstruction gave satisfactory results, notably in terms of recovery of strength, but evolution is not risk-free with onset of significant early osteolysis. [70] (10.1016/j.otsr.2010.06.004)

References¶

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[2] Outcome of distal clavicle resection in patients with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and full‐thickness rotator cuff tear. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-014-3114-2

[3] Seven-year course of asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.04.004

[4] Acromioclavicular joint arthritis is not an indication for routine distal clavicle excision in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2020. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06098-y

[5] The Role of Arthroscopy in Revision of Failed Open Anterior Stabilization of the Shoulder. Arthroscopy. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.073

[6] Factors Predicting the Outcome After Arthroscopically Assisted Stabilization of Acute High-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019. DOI: 10.1177/0363546519862850

[7] Diagnostic value of a preoperative acromioclavicular injection for symptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis: a retrospective study of cross-sectional midterm outcomes. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2024. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2023.00073

[8] The incidence and treatment of symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis following total shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulder & Elbow. 2022. DOI: 10.1177/17585732221114796

[9] Biplanar Reconstruction With Pectoralis Minor Tendon and Coracoacromial Ligament Transfer for Chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2024.103104

[10] Limited distal clavicle excision of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2016.01.008

[11] Editorial Commentary: Why We Have To Respect The Anatomy In Acromioclavicular Joint Surgery And Why Clinical Shoulder Scores Might Not Give Us The Information We Need!. Arthroscopy. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.01.038

[12] The relationship of the acromion to the distal clavicle in normal and symptomatic degenerated acromioclavicular joints. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2019. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-019-03258-9

[13] Severe acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis is associated with acromial stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. JSES International. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2021.11.008

[14] Degenerative Joint Disease of the Acromioclavicular Joint. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013. DOI: 10.1177/0363546513485359

[15] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Disorders of the Acromioclavicular Joint > III. Atraumatic and Degenerative Conditions of the AC Joint.

[16] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Disorders of the Acromioclavicular Joint > II. Traumatic Conditions of the AC Joint.

[17] Arthroscopically assisted reduction of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation using a single double-button device: Medium-term clinical and radiological outcomes. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.11.001

[18] Improved identification of unstable acromioclavicular joint injuries in a clinical population using the acromial center line to dorsal clavicle radiographic measurement. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.014

[19] Successful Conservative Therapy in Rockwood Type V Acromioclavicular Dislocations. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015. DOI: 10.1177/2325967115s00017

[22] No differences between conservative and surgical management of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis: a scoping review. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06377-8

[24] Isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and steroid injection. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2023. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2023.00311

[26] Preoperative Factors Associated With Subsequent Distal Clavicle Resection After Rotator Cuff Repair. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019. DOI: 10.1177/2325967119844295

[27] Mid- to long-term success rate and functional outcomes of acromioclavicular injections in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2023. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2023.00031

[28] The ligamentous injury pattern in acute acromioclavicular dislocations and its impact on clinical and radiographic parameters. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.10.026

[29] Painful Conditions of the Acromioclavicular Joint. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1999. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004

[30] Surgical treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation: A review of 39 patients. Injury. 1983. DOI: 10.1016/0020-1383(83)90092-x

[31] Differences between Coracoclavicular, Acromioclavicular, or Combined Reconstruction Techniques on the Kinematics of the Shoulder Girdle. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022. DOI: 10.1177/03635465221095231

[33] The Function of the Acromioclavicular and Coracoclavicular Ligaments in Shoulder Motion. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012. DOI: 10.1177/0363546512458571

[34] Acromioclavicular joint ligamentous system contributing to clavicular strut function: a cadaveric study. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.004

[41] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Disorders of the Acromioclavicular Joint, Sternoclavicular Joint, and Clavicle > AC Joint Injuries.

[46] Can an acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint separation be reduced and stabilized without surgery? A surgeon’s experience. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2020. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-020-03630-0

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