Skip to content

Patients › Shoulder

Viêm xương khớp khớp cùng đòn

AC joint osteoarthritis causes localized shoulder pain with cross-body movements; treatment ranges from activity modification to surgery.

Updated Aug 2026
Một minh họa vẽ tay của khớp AC bị thoái hóa nặng ở đỉnh vai.
Nhìn từ phía trước của vai trái, cho thấy khớp ức đòn (AC) nơi xương đòn gặp mỏm cùng vai của xương bả vai, cùng với các dây chằng xung quanh và khớp ổ chảo cầu sâu hơn. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Trang này được dịch bằng máy và chưa được bác sĩ kiểm tra. Bản tiếng Anh là bản chính thức.

Những gì bạn đang cảm thấy

Bạn có thể cảm thấy một cơn đau nhói hoặc đau âm ỉ ngay trên đỉnh vai. Đây là nơi xương đòn gặp xương bả vai. Vị trí này nhạy cảm khi bạn ấn vào. Bạn có thể nhận thấy sưng hoặc một khối u nhỏ ở khu vực đó.

Cơn đau thường trở nên trầm trọng hơn khi bạn di chuyển cánh tay qua cơ thể. Các nhiệm vụ đơn giản trong sinh hoạt hàng ngày có thể trở nên khó khăn. Việc với tay ra sau lưng để cài áo ngực hoặc nhét áo vào quần có thể gây đau. Nhấc vật dụng lên cao hoặc với lấy đồ vật trên kệ cao có thể kích hoạt cảm giác khó chịu. Ngủ nghiêng về bên bị ảnh hưởng thường gây đau và có thể làm gián đoạn giấc ngủ của bạn.

Bạn cũng có thể cảm thấy cứng khớp khi vừa thức dậy vào buổi sáng. Sự cứng khớp này thường giảm bớt khi bạn di chuyển trong ngày. Tuy nhiên, sau một ngày dài hoạt động, cơn đau âm ỉ có thể quay trở lại. Một số người thấy rằng nghỉ ngơi cánh tay giúp ích, trong khi những người khác thấy rằng vận động nhẹ nhàng mang lại nhiều sự giảm đau hơn.

Điều quan trọng cần biết là không phải ai có những thay đổi trên phim X-quang cũng cảm thấy đau. Trên thực tế, viêm xương khớp do hao mòn không triệu chứng vẫn không triệu chứng ở 90% bệnh nhân trong khoảng thời gian 7 năm. Nếu bạn không có triệu chứng, bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn có thể sẽ không khuyến nghị phẫu thuật. Ngay cả khi bạn đang thực hiện một cuộc phẫu thuật vai khác, chẳng hạn như sửa chữa gân xoay, viêm xương khớp không được điều trị nhưng không gây đau có liên quan đến tỷ lệ thất bại thấp.

Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ tập trung vào việc điều trị cơn đau mà bạn thực sự cảm thấy, chứ không chỉ những gì hiển thị trên hình ảnh. Sự phân biệt giữa những thay đổi hình ảnh có triệu chứng và không triệu chứng là không cần thiết vì sự hài lòng của bệnh nhân với các phương pháp điều trị như tiêm là như nhau bất kể vẻ ngoài của phim X-quang. Nếu các phương pháp điều trị bảo tồn không giúp ích, bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn có thể thảo luận về các lựa chọn phẫu thuật. Cả hai kỹ thuật cắt bỏ mở và nội soi đều mang lại sự giảm đau dự đoán được cho các trường hợp có triệu chứng.

Những gì thực sự đang xảy ra

Khớp ức đòn (acromioclavicular joint) nằm ở phần trên vai, nơi xương đòn gặp xương bả vai. Hãy tưởng tượng nó như một bản lề nhỏ, chắc chắn cho phép cánh tay của bạn cử động mượt mà. Theo thời gian, lớp phủ trơn tru ở đầu xương—gọi là sụn—có thể bị mòn. Đây là bệnh thoái hóa khớp, hay còn gọi là viêm khớp do hao mòn. Khi lớp bảo vệ này mỏng đi, các xương có thể cọ xát vào nhau, gây đau và cứng khớp.

Quá trình hao mòn này rất phổ biến. Nó thường xảy ra mà không có dấu hiệu báo trước. Thực tế, trong 7 năm, 90% bệnh nhân bị thoái hóa khớp ức đòn không triệu chứng (AC-OA) vẫn duy trì trạng thái không triệu chứng. Điều này có nghĩa là đối với hầu hết mọi người, những thay đổi thấy được trên phim X-quang không tự động gây đau hoặc hạn chế vận động. Bạn có thể có viêm khớp trên hình ảnh chụp chiếu nhưng hoàn toàn không cảm thấy khác biệt.

Đôi khi, vấn đề về khớp này được phát hiện trong khi điều trị các vấn đề vai khác. Ví dụ, bệnh thoái hóa khớp ức đòn chưa được điều trị, dù có triệu chứng hay không, khi được phát hiện trong quá trình sửa chữa chóp xoay bằng nội soi, có liên quan đến tỷ lệ thất bại thấp. Điều này cho thấy việc có viêm khớp ở khớp này thường không làm ảnh hưởng xấu đến kết quả của các phẫu thuật vai khác. Tuy nhiên, trong một số trường hợp, bệnh thoái hóa khớp ức đòn nặng có liên quan đến gãy xương do căng thẳng ở mỏm cùng vai sau phẫu thuật thay khớp vai ngược. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ kiểm tra các nguy cơ này trước bất kỳ thủ thuật nào.

Khi khớp gây ra các triệu chứng, nguyên nhân thường là do các cấu trúc xung quanh nó chịu áp lực. Bao khớp là lớp vỏ bao quanh vai, giữ mọi thứ ở vị trí cố định. Nếu các dây chằng ổn định khu vực này bị giãn hoặc tổn thương, khớp có thể bị lệch nhẹ. Sự lệch khớp này có thể thay đổi cách xương bả vai di chuyển, dẫn đến đau và rối loạn chức năng.

Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn hiểu rằng không phải tất cả các trường hợp viêm khớp đều cần phẫu thuật. Cả hai kỹ thuật cắt bỏ khớp nội soi và mổ mở đều mang lại hiệu quả giảm đau dự đoán được cho bệnh thoái hóa khớp ức đòn có triệu chứng. Các thủ thuật này liên quan đến việc loại bỏ một phần nhỏ xương để tạo thêm không gian. Điều này giúp giảm ma sát và cho phép cử động mượt mà hơn. Mục tiêu là giảm đau cho bạn trong khi vẫn duy trì chức năng của vai.

Những gì chúng tôi có thể làm về vấn đề này

Tại Bệnh viện Tư nhân Mater Rockhampton, Bác sĩ Kieran Hirpara tiếp cận việc chăm sóc sức khỏe của bạn bằng cách điều trị phù hợp với các triệu chứng cụ thể và lối sống của bạn. Chúng tôi bắt đầu với các phương pháp ít xâm lấn nhất để xem liệu chúng tôi có thể kiểm soát cơn đau của bạn mà không cần phẫu thuật hay không. Cách tiếp cận từng bước này giúp bạn tránh các thủ thuật không cần thiết đồng thời mang lại cơ hội tốt nhất cho vai của bạn tự chữa lành.

Đối với nhiều người, những thay đổi đơn giản có thể tạo ra sự khác biệt lớn. Bạn có thể cần điều chỉnh các hoạt động gây đau, chẳng hạn như nâng vật nặng hoặc với tay lên cao. Vật lý trị liệu là một phần quan trọng của quá trình này. Các chuyên gia vật lý trị liệu của chúng tôi sẽ hướng dẫn bạn thực hiện các bài tập để tăng cường các cơ xung quanh xương bả vai và cánh tay trên. Sự hỗ trợ này giúp giảm áp lực lên khớp. Chúng tôi thường khuyên bạn nên thử phương pháp điều trị bảo tồn này trong một khoảng thời gian nhất định để xem liệu nó có làm giảm bớt sự khó chịu của bạn hay không. Nếu bạn bị viêm xương khớp do hao mòn, việc điều chỉnh cách sử dụng cánh tay của bạn có thể giúp duy trì các triệu chứng ở mức độ có thể kiểm soát được trong thời gian dài hơn.

Nếu tự chăm sóc và liệu pháp không mang lại đủ sự giảm đau, chúng tôi có thể thảo luận về các lựa chọn y tế. Thuốc giảm đau và thuốc chống viêm có thể giúp kiểm soát tình trạng sưng và đau nhức. Chúng tôi cũng cung cấp các mũi tiêm vào khớp. Những mũi tiêm này đưa thuốc trực tiếp đến nguồn gốc của cơn đau để làm giảm viêm. Nghiên cứu cho thấy những mũi tiêm này có tỷ lệ thành công sau 1 năm là 47% ở những bệnh nhân bị viêm xương khớp mỏm cùng vai. Điều này có nghĩa là gần một nửa số bệnh nhân tìm thấy sự giảm đau đáng kể trong một năm, mặc dù kết quả có thể khác nhau. Chúng tôi sử dụng các mũi tiêm này để giúp bạn duy trì hoạt động và tiếp tục quá trình phục hồi chức năng.

Phẫu thuật chỉ được xem xét khi các phương pháp điều trị bảo tồn không mang lại đủ sự cải thiện. Thủ thuật phổ biến nhất là cắt bỏ mỏm xương đòn xa. Trong phẫu thuật này, chúng tôi loại bỏ một phần nhỏ ở đầu xương đòn để ngăn nó cọ xát vào xương bả vai. Điều này tạo ra nhiều không gian hơn và giảm đau. Chúng tôi khuyến nghị phương pháp này cho những bệnh nhân có cơn đau dai dẳng mặc dù đã thử các phương pháp điều trị khác. Đối với các chấn thương cấp tính hoặc trật khớp mạn tính nơi dây chằng bị rách, chúng tôi có thể khuyến nghị phẫu thuật tái tạo để khôi phục sự ổn định. Chúng tôi thảo luận tất cả các lựa chọn với bạn để đảm bảo sự lựa chọn phù hợp với mục tiêu và nhu cầu sức khỏe của bạn.

Những điều cần biết

Tiên lượng của bạn phụ thuộc phần lớn vào việc các triệu chứng của bạn đang hoạt động hay ổn định. Nếu bạn bị viêm xương khớp do hao mòn ở khớp AC nhưng không đau, tình trạng này thường sẽ duy trì như vậy. Ở 90% bệnh nhân, viêm xương khớp không triệu chứng vẫn không triệu chứng trong vòng 7 năm. Bạn có thể không cần điều trị nếu tình trạng này không gây phiền toái.

Nếu bạn có đau, chăm sóc bảo tồn thường là bước đầu tiên. Tiêm thuốc có thể giúp ích, nhưng đây không phải là giải pháp vĩnh viễn. Tiêm khớp AC có tỷ lệ thành công sau 1 năm là 47%. Điều này có nghĩa là gần một nửa số bệnh nhân tìm thấy sự giảm đau trong một năm, trong khi những người khác có thể cần các lựa chọn điều trị khác. Nếu cơn đau tiếp tục dai dẳng mặc dù đã nghỉ ngơi và dùng thuốc, phẫu thuật là một lựa chọn.

Phẫu thuật nhằm loại bỏ phần xương đòn bị kích thích. Điều này mang lại sự giảm đau dự đoán được cho viêm xương khớp AC có triệu chứng. Cả hai kỹ thuật mổ mở và nội soi đều hoạt động tốt để giảm đau và cải thiện chức năng vai ở giai đoạn theo dõi trung hạn. Bạn có thể cảm thấy ít đau hơn và cử động tự do hơn. Tuy nhiên, một số cơn đau dai dẳng và tiến triển của viêm xương khớp vẫn là những mối quan tâm trong các trường hợp phẫu thuật lại.

Điều quan trọng là phải biết rằng viêm xương khớp có thể ảnh hưởng đến các thủ thuật khác ở vai. Viêm xương khớp AC chưa được điều trị, dù có triệu chứng hay không, được phát hiện trong quá trình sửa chữa chóp xoay bằng nội soi có liên quan đến tỷ lệ thất bại thấp. Viêm xương khớp cũng liên quan đến kết quả lâm sàng cuối cùng kém hơn sau khi sửa chữa chóp xoay. Chóp xoay chưa lành hoặc bị rách lại làm tăng nguy cơ phát triển viêm xương khớp.

Nếu bạn bị viêm xương khớp nặng, có những rủi ro bổ sung cần xem xét. Viêm xương khớp AC nặng có liên quan đến gãy xương mỏm vai do ứng suất sau khi thay khớp vai ngược. Viêm xương khớp AC trên phim X-quang là phổ biến ở những bệnh nhân đang trải qua loại phẫu thuật này. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ cân nhắc các yếu tố này khi lập kế hoạch chăm sóc cho bạn.

Nhìn chung, diễn biến của bệnh rất khác nhau. Nhiều người quản lý tốt mà không cần phẫu thuật. Những người khác tìm thấy sự giảm đau lâu dài sau khi loại bỏ phần xương gây vấn đề. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ giúp bạn quyết định con đường nào phù hợp với cuộc sống và các triệu chứng của bạn.

Khi nào cần gặp bác sĩ

Hãy gặp bác sĩ đa khoa nếu bạn có tình trạng đau dai dẳng ở phần trên vai không cải thiện khi nghỉ ngơi. Hãy yêu cầu được đánh giá bởi bác sĩ chuyên khoa nếu bạn nhận thấy tình trạng yếu cơ, mất ổn định, hoặc cảm giác bị kẹt hoặc đột ngột mất sức. Hãy tìm kiếm sự chăm sóc y tế nếu các triệu chứng ảnh hưởng đến giấc ngủ hoặc công việc của bạn, hoặc nếu bạn trải qua tình trạng đau tăng lên đột ngột. Mặc dù nhiều trường hợp viêm xương khớp do hao mòn không gây đau trong nhiều năm, nhưng tình trạng khó chịu kéo dài cần được đánh giá. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn có thể giúp xác định xem có cần điều trị thêm để kiểm soát các triệu chứng của bạn một cách hiệu quả hay không.


Evidence & references

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 AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over a 7-year period [2].
  • Untreated ACJ osteoarthritis, whether symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is associated with a low percentage of failure [3].
  • Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty [7].
  • Severe acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis is associated with acromial stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty [7].
  • Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic AC osteoarthritis [8].
  • Open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques have unique sets of potential complications that may be minimized with improved understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and meticulous surgical technique [8].
  • Limited distal clavicle excision reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up in patients with AC joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment [9].
  • A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome of preoperative acromioclavicular injection [6].
  • Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of the AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed [1].
  • Acromioclavicular joint arthritis is not an indication for routine distal clavicle excision in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [3].
  • Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results [5].
  • The authors recommend anatomic reconstruction procedures for the treatment of chronic complete AC dislocations [21].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Anatomic techniques that address both coracoclavicular ligaments and the AC capsule are recommended to restore horizontal and vertical stability while allowing physiological rotation [10].
  • None of the reconstruction strategies completely restored the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state [26].
  • Kinematic changes resulting from AC joint dislocation could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder [27].
  • Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models [28].
  • The position of the hook portion of a clavicle hook plate can predispose anatomic structures to post-operative complications of subacromial impingement and bony erosion [29].
  • Future research should focus on addressing horizontal and rotational instability to restore native physiological and biomechanical properties of the AC joint [35].
  • Coracoclavicular reconstruction with augmentation of the acromioclavicular joint provides improved horizontal stability compared to isolated coracoclavicular reconstruction [41].
  • Adding a fixation of the AC joint minimizes lateral tilting of the scapula and maintains a more anatomic reposition result over time [45].

Classification

  • Asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over a 7-year period [2].
  • Untreated acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, whether symptomatic or not, encountered during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is associated with a low percentage of failure [3].
  • Mild arthroscopic findings of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis may be clinically significant and warrant resection, but further characterization of such patients is needed [1].
  • Radiographic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty [7].
  • Osteolytic changes in the acromioclavicular joint seemed to be associated with incongruity of the joint but did not correlate with clinical results [11].
  • The acromial center line to dorsal clavicle radiographic measurement and the use of the Alexander view provide a more realistic appreciation of true acromioclavicular joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (Rockwood types IIIA, IIB, and IV) [12].
  • Evaluating the integrity of the capsuloligamentous structures stabilizing the acromioclavicular joint is reproducible and provides additional information on the severity of the injury [24].
  • Injuries to the sternoclavicular joint are uncommon, and recognition and classification are critical to proper management to minimize long-term sequelae [16].
  • Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns in the arthroscopic revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder [4].

Clinical Presentation

  • Preventive arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis [19].
  • Osteolytic changes seemed to be associated with incongruity of the AC joint, but did not correlate with clinical results [11].
  • Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain in isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis and to compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular injections [13].
  • Risk factors for subsequent distal clavicle excision after rotator cuff repair include tenderness to palpation at the AC joint, female sex, and surgery on the dominant side [18].
  • Subsequent distal clavicle excision was performed in 40% of cases with a combination of the three identified risk factors (tenderness to palpation, female sex, dominant side surgery) [18].
  • Recurrence of the initial dislocation after arthroscopically assisted reduction appears to be related to the onset of degenerative ACJ arthropathy [14].
  • Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns in the revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder [4].

Investigations

  • Preventive arthroscopic distal clavicle resection (DCR) is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis [19].
  • Further characterization is needed to determine which patients with mild arthroscopic findings of AC joint OA are clinically significant and warrant resection [1].
  • Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) [7].
  • Severe ACJ osteoarthritis is associated with acromial stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty [7].
  • Osteolytic changes in the AC joint seemed to be associated with incongruity but did not correlate with clinical results [11].
  • Patients with edema on MRI were more likely to present with pain than patients without edema [43].
  • Subchondral bone edema on histologic examination was more frequent in patients with pain [43].
  • The outcomes of a preoperative AC injection suggest that a distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic AC OA is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome [6].
  • Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and to compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular steroid injections for isolated AC osteoarthritis [13].
  • Subsequent distal clavicle excision was performed in 40% of cases with a combination of the three identified risk factors (tenderness, female sex, dominant side) [18].
  • The arthroscopic approach offers an advantage in diagnosing and treating occult intra-articular pathology during distal clavicle excision [20].
  • Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns in the revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder using arthroscopy [4].
  • Evaluating the integrity of the capsuloligamentous structures stabilizing the AC joint is reproducible and provides additional information on injury severity, which may influence treatment decisions [24].
  • The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provide a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, particularly in defining watershed cases (IIIA/IIB/IV) [12].
  • Radiological failures were observed in 41% of cases in a prospective multicenter study of arthroscopic acute AC dislocation fixation [50].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Conservative therapy is a valid initial treatment option for Rockwood Type V acromioclavicular dislocations [15].
  • Non-operative reduction and stabilization is a valuable treatment option for acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint separations [33].
  • Nonoperative treatment is helpful for most patients with painful conditions of the acromioclavicular joint, although those with osteolysis may need to modify their activities [44].
  • Conservative and surgical treatments are both effective in the management of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis [17].
  • Acromioclavicular injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47% in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [22].
  • Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and to compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular steroid injections for isolated acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [13].

Operative Management

  • Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis [8].
  • Limited distal clavicle excision reduces pain and improves shoulder function at midterm follow-up in patients with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment [9].
  • Further characterization is needed to identify patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis are clinically significant and warrant resection [1].
  • Conversion to anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction shows similar clinical outcomes compared to successful non-operative treatment in chronic primary type III to V acromioclavicular joint injuries at a minimum 5-year follow-up [49].
  • The authors recommend anatomic reconstruction procedures for the treatment of chronic complete acromioclavicular dislocations [21].
  • Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair, and an unhealed or re-torn cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis [23].

Diagnostic Considerations

  • A distinction between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis appears unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome of preoperative acromioclavicular injection [6].
  • Asymptomatic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis diagnosed by MRI remained asymptomatic in 90% of patients over a 7-year course [2].
  • Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns following arthroscopy in the revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder [4].

Complications

  • Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair [23].
  • An unhealed or re-torn rotator cuff increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis [23].
  • Severe AC joint osteoarthritis is associated with acromial stress fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty [7].
  • Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns following arthroscopy in revision of failed open anterior stabilization of the shoulder [4].
  • Recurrence of the initial dislocation after arthroscopically assisted reduction of acute AC joint dislocation appears to be related to the onset of degenerative ACJ arthropathy [14].
  • Treatment of acute grade III and IV AC dislocations by synthetic ligament reconstruction carries a risk of significant early osteolysis [25].
  • Open and arthroscopic AC joint reconstruction techniques have no differences in loss of reduction, complication rate, or revision rate [38].
  • Both open and arthroscopic resection arthroplasty techniques provide predictable pain relief for symptomatic AC osteoarthritis but each has a unique set of potential complications [8].

Recovery

  • Limited distal clavicle excision for acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis resistant to conservative treatment reduced pain and improved shoulder function at midterm follow-up [9].
  • A preoperative acromioclavicular injection study suggested that distinguishing between symptomatic and asymptomatic radiographic acromioclavicular osteoarthritis is unnecessary, as all patients were equally satisfied with the outcome [6].
  • Osteolytic changes in the acromioclavicular joint seemed to be associated with incongruity but did not correlate with clinical results [11].
  • Recurrence of initial acromioclavicular joint dislocation appears to be related to the onset of degenerative acromioclavicular joint arthropathy [14].
  • Treatment of acute grade III and IV acromioclavicular dislocations using synthetic ligament reconstruction gave satisfactory results in terms of recovery of strength, but evolution is not risk-free due to the onset of significant early osteolysis [25].
  • Arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with double-bundle soft tissue allograft for chronic type V acromioclavicular dislocations showed sustained and statistically significant improvements in functional outcomes, high rates of return to sport, and maintenance of active-duty military status at minimum 10-year follow-up [39].
  • Minimally invasive coracoclavicular ligament augmentation with a flip button/polydioxanone repair for total acromioclavicular joint dislocation revealed excellent radiologic and clinical results with no subluxations or dislocations noted in short-term follow-up [48].
  • Type V acromioclavicular dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy [15].

Key Evidence

  • [L2] Further characterisation of patients in whom mild arthroscopic findings of OA of AC joint are clinically significant and warrant resection is needed. [1] (10.1007/s00167-014-3114-2)
  • [L2] Asymptomatic AC-OA remained asymptomatic in 90% over 7 years. [2] (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. [3] (10.1007/s00167-020-06098-y)
  • [L4] Some persistent pain and osteoarthritis progression remain concerns. [4] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.073)
  • [L3] Clinicians should consider overreduction of the AC joint because it may lead to favorable radiological results. [5] (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. [6] (10.5397/cise.2023.00073)
  • [L3] Radiographic ACJ osteoarthritis is common in patients undergoing RSA. [7] (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. [8] (10.1177/0363546513485359)
  • [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. [9] (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. [10] (10.1016/j.arthro.2019.01.038)
  • [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. [12] (10.1016/j.jse.2019.12.014)
  • [L4] Additional research is needed to determine the main cause of pain and compare clinical outcomes of intra-articular versus extra-articular injections. [13] (10.5397/cise.2023.00311)
  • [L4] Recurrence of the initial dislocation appears to be related to onset of degenerative ACJ arthropathy. [14] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.11.001)
  • [L4] This suggests that Type V AC dislocations may be given a trial of conservative therapy. [15] (10.1177/2325967115s00017)
  • [L1] Injuries to the SC joint are uncommon, and recognition and classification are critical to proper management to minimize long-term sequelae. [16] (10.1177/0363546513498990)
  • [L4] Conservative and surgical treatments are both effective in acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis management. [17] (10.1007/s00167-020-06377-8)
  • [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. [18] (10.1177/2325967119844295)
  • [L1] Preventive arthroscopic DCR is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis. [19] (10.1177/0363546514547254)
  • [L1] The arthroscopic approach offers a unique advantage in diagnosing and treating occult intra-articular pathology. [20] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.10.006)
  • [L4] The authors recommend this procedure for the treatment of chronic complete AC dislocations. [21] (10.1016/j.injury.2010.09.023)
  • [L4] AC injections offer a 1-year success rate of 47%. [22] (10.5397/cise.2023.00031)
  • [L4] Osteoarthritis is associated with poorer final clinical outcomes, and an unhealed or re-torn cuff increases the risk of osteoarthritis. [23] (10.1016/j.otsr.2017.03.007)
  • [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. [24] (10.1016/j.jse.2020.10.026)
  • [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. [25] (10.1016/j.otsr.2010.06.004)
  • [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. [26] (10.1177/03635465221095231)
  • [L5] The kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation. [27] (10.1177/0363546512458571)
  • [L5] Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models. [28] (10.1016/j.jse.2013.01.004)
  • [L5] The observed frequency of hook contact with surrounding subacromial structures in a static shoulder confirms that the position of the hook portion of the implant can predispose anatomic structures to the post-operative complications of subacromial impingement and bony erosion. [29] (10.1016/j.injury.2009.12.012)
  • [L4] Non-operative reduction and stabilization of high-grade AC joint separations seems to be a valuable treatment option. [33] (10.1007/s00402-020-03630-0)
  • [L5] Future research should focus on addressing horizontal and rotational instability, to restore native physiological and biomechanical properties of the AC joint. [35] (10.1186/s12891-022-05935-0)
  • [L1] Open and arthroscopic AC joint reconstruction techniques have no differences in loss of reduction, the complication rate, and the revision rate based on the available literature. [38] (10.1177/0363546518795147)
  • [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. [39] (10.1016/j.arthro.2025.05.008)
  • [L1] Coracoclavicular reconstruction with augmentation of the acromioclavicular joint has been shown to provide improved horizontal stability in both biomechanical and clinical studies compared to isolated coracoclavicular reconstruction. [41] (10.1007/s00167-018-5152-7)
  • [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. [43] (10.1016/j.jseint.2020.03.007)
  • [L5] Nonoperative treatment is helpful for most patients, although those with osteolysis may have to modify their activities. [44] (10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004)
  • [L3] The presented data suggest adding a fixation of the AC joint to minimize lateral tilting of the scapula and maintain a more anatomic reposition result over time. [45] (10.1007/s00402-021-03761-y)
  • [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. [48] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.12.015)
  • [L4] At a minimum 5-year follow-up, patients with successful non-operative treatment for type III-V ACJ injuries achieved similar clinical outcomes compared to those who were converted to ACCR. [49] (10.1007/s00167-020-06159-2)
  • [L4] Surgery for AC dislocations is difficult with radiological results that must still be improved, as radiological failures were observed in 41% of cases. [50] (10.1016/j.otsr.2015.09.012)

References

[1] 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

[2] 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

[3] 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

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

[5] 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

[6] 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

[7] 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

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

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

[10] 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

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

[12] 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

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

[14] 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

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

[16] Instability and Degenerative Arthritis of the Sternoclavicular Joint. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013. DOI: 10.1177/0363546513498990

[17] 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

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

[19] Is Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection Necessary for Patients With Radiological Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis and Rotator Cuff Tears?. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2014. DOI: 10.1177/0363546514547254

[20] Arthroscopic versus open distal clavicle excision: Comparative results at six months and one year from a randomized, prospective clinical trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2006.10.006

[21] Surgical treatment of chronic acromioclavicular dislocation: Comparison between two surgical procedures for anatomic reconstruction. Injury. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2010.09.023

[22] 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

[23] Osteoarthritis after rotator cuff repair: A 10-year follow-up study. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.03.007

[24] 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

[25] Acute grade III and IV acromioclavicular dislocations: Outcomes and pitfalls of reconstruction procedures using a synthetic ligament. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2010.06.004

[26] 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

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

[28] 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

[29] Subacromial morphometric assessment of the clavicle hook plate. Injury. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2009.12.012

[33] 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

[35] Current concepts in acromioclavicular joint (AC) instability – a proposed treatment algorithm for acute and chronic AC-joint surgery. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05935-0

[38] Current Concepts in the Operative Management of Acromioclavicular Dislocations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Operative Techniques. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018. DOI: 10.1177/0363546518795147

[39] Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction With Double‐Bundle Soft Tissue Allograft for Chronic Type V Acromioclavicular Dislocations Shows Excellent Patient Outcomes and Return to Duty and Sport at Minimum 10‐Year Follow‐Up. Arthroscopy. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2025.05.008

[41] Acromioclavicular joint augmentation at the time of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction fails to improve functional outcomes despite significantly improved horizontal stability. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2018. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-018-5152-7

[43] Histologic and magnetic resonance image evaluation in acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. JSES International. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2020.03.007

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

[45] Additional acromioclavicular cerclage limits lateral tilt of the scapula in patients with arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00402-021-03761-y

[48] Minimally Invasive Coracoclavicular Ligament Augmentation With a Flip Button/Polydioxanone Repair for Treatment of Total Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation. Arthroscopy. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.12.015

[49] Conversion to anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) shows similar clinical outcomes compared to successful non‐operative treatment in chronic primary type III to V acromioclavicular joint injuries. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2020. DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06159-2

[50] Complication rates and types of failure after arthroscopic acute acromioclavicular dislocation fixation. Prospective multicenter study of 116 cases. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2015. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2015.09.012

Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0

CC Creative Commons licence
BY Attribution — you must credit the source
NC NonCommercial — not for commercial use

Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International


Creative Commons Corporation ("Creative Commons") is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice. Distribution of Creative Commons public licenses does not create a lawyer-client or other relationship. Creative Commons makes its licenses and related information available on an "as-is" basis. Creative Commons gives no warranties regarding its licenses, any material licensed under their terms and conditions, or any related information. Creative Commons disclaims all liability for damages resulting from their use to the fullest extent possible.

Using Creative Commons Public Licenses

Creative Commons public licenses provide a standard set of terms and conditions that creators and other rights holders may use to share original works of authorship and other material subject to copyright and certain other rights specified in the public license below. The following considerations are for informational purposes only, are not exhaustive, and do not form part of our licenses.

Considerations for licensors: Our public licenses are intended for use by those authorized to give the public permission to use material in ways otherwise restricted by copyright and certain other rights. Our licenses are irrevocable. Licensors should read and understand the terms and conditions of the license they choose before applying it. Licensors should also secure all rights necessary before applying our licenses so that the public can reuse the material as expected. Licensors should clearly mark any material not subject to the license. This includes other CC- licensed material, or material used under an exception or limitation to copyright. More considerations for licensors: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensors

Considerations for the public: By using one of our public licenses, a licensor grants the public permission to use the licensed material under specified terms and conditions. If the licensor's permission is not necessary for any reason--for example, because of any applicable exception or limitation to copyright--then that use is not regulated by the license. Our licenses grant only permissions under copyright and certain other rights that a licensor has authority to grant. Use of the licensed material may still be restricted for other reasons, including because others have copyright or other rights in the material. A licensor may make special requests, such as asking that all changes be marked or described. Although not required by our licenses, you are encouraged to respect those requests where reasonable. More considerations for the public: wiki.creativecommons.org/Considerations_for_licensees


Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License

By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). To the extent this Public License may be interpreted as a contract, You are granted the Licensed Rights in consideration of Your acceptance of these terms and conditions, and the Licensor grants You such rights in consideration of benefits the Licensor receives from making the Licensed Material available under these terms and conditions.

Section 1 -- Definitions.

a. Adapted Material means material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights that is derived from or based upon the Licensed Material and in which the Licensed Material is translated, altered, arranged, transformed, or otherwise modified in a manner requiring permission under the Copyright and Similar Rights held by the Licensor. For purposes of this Public License, where the Licensed Material is a musical work, performance, or sound recording, Adapted Material is always produced where the Licensed Material is synched in timed relation with a moving image.

b. Adapter's License means the license You apply to Your Copyright and Similar Rights in Your contributions to Adapted Material in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Public License.

c. Copyright and Similar Rights means copyright and/or similar rights closely related to copyright including, without limitation, performance, broadcast, sound recording, and Sui Generis Database Rights, without regard to how the rights are labeled or categorized. For purposes of this Public License, the rights specified in Section 2(b)(1)-(2) are not Copyright and Similar Rights.

d. Effective Technological Measures means those measures that, in the absence of proper authority, may not be circumvented under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, and/or similar international agreements.

e. Exceptions and Limitations means fair use, fair dealing, and/or any other exception or limitation to Copyright and Similar Rights that applies to Your use of the Licensed Material.

f. Licensed Material means the artistic or literary work, database, or other material to which the Licensor applied this Public License.

g. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, which are limited to all Copyright and Similar Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material and that the Licensor has authority to license.

h. Licensor means the individual(s) or entity(ies) granting rights under this Public License.

i. NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For purposes of this Public License, the exchange of the Licensed Material for other material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights by digital file-sharing or similar means is NonCommercial provided there is no payment of monetary compensation in connection with the exchange.

j. Share means to provide material to the public by any means or process that requires permission under the Licensed Rights, such as reproduction, public display, public performance, distribution, dissemination, communication, or importation, and to make material available to the public including in ways that members of the public may access the material from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.

k. Sui Generis Database Rights means rights other than copyright resulting from Directive 96/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases, as amended and/or succeeded, as well as other essentially equivalent rights anywhere in the world.

l. You means the individual or entity exercising the Licensed Rights under this Public License. Your has a corresponding meaning.

Section 2 -- Scope.

a. License grant.

1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to:

a. reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and

b. produce, reproduce, and Share Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only.

2. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions.

3. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a).

4. Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a) (4) never produces Adapted Material.

5. Downstream recipients.

a. Offer from the Licensor -- Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License.

b. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material.

6. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i).

b. Other rights.

1. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise.

2. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License.

3. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes.

Section 3 -- License Conditions.

Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions.

a. Attribution.

1. If You Share the Licensed Material (including in modified form), You must:

a. retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material:

i. identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated);

ii. a copyright notice;

iii. a notice that refers to this Public License;

iv. a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties;

v. a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable;

b. indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and

c. indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License.

2. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information.

3. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable.

4. If You Share Adapted Material You produce, the Adapter's License You apply must not prevent recipients of the Adapted Material from complying with this Public License.

Section 4 -- Sui Generis Database Rights.

Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material:

a. for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only;

b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

Creative Commons may be contacted at creativecommons.org.