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Loãng xương mỏm xương đòn xa

Updated Aug 2026
Hình minh họa một người đang tập bench press tại phòng gym với cơn đau ở phần trên của vai.
Loãng xương mỏm xương đòn xa (vai vận động viên cử tạ) gây đau ở phần trên của vai, điển hình khi thực hiện các bài tập đẩy. 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 đau ở phần trên cùng của vai, ngay tại vị trí xương đòn gặp xương bả vai. Vị trí này được gọi là khớp đòn vai (acromioclavicular joint). Cảm giác đau nhức có thể bắt đầu sau khi bạn nâng vật nặng hoặc thực hiện các cử động lặp đi lặp lại trên cao. Theo thời gian, phần xương ở đầu xương đòn có thể bị mòn hoặc tiêu biến. Tình trạng này được gọi là tiêu xương đòn xa (distal clavicle osteolysis).

Cơn đau thường bùng phát trong các hoạt động hàng ngày. Bạn có thể cảm thấy một nhát cắt sắc nhọn khi đưa tay qua người để cài áo. Việc cài dây áo ngực phía sau lưng có thể trở nên khó khăn và gây đau. Nâng vật thể lên trên đầu, chẳng hạn như đặt túi lên kệ cao, có thể kích hoạt cảm giác đau âm ỉ. Ngay cả những cử động đơn giản, như với lấy dây an toàn, cũng có thể gây kích ứng khớp.

Đau về đêm là tình trạng phổ biến. Bạn có thể thấy khó ngủ ở bên bị ảnh hưởng. Áp lực từ trọng lượng cơ thể lên khớp bị viêm có thể khiến bạn tỉnh giấc. Một số bệnh nhân báo cáo cảm giác cứng khớp khi vừa thức dậy vào buổi sáng. Cảm giác cứng này thường giảm bớt khi bạn di chuyển, nhưng cơn đau sẽ quay trở lại sau khi vận động.

Nếu bạn đã từng phẫu thuật vai trước đó, các triệu chứng có thể phức tạp hơn. Đôi khi, tình trạng mất xương xảy ra như một biến chứng từ các thủ thuật trước đó. Trong những trường hợp hiếm gặp, nhiễm trùng vi khuẩn như Propionibacterium acnes có thể gây mất xương đáng kể. Loại tiêu xương này có thể yêu cầu điều trị cụ thể để ngăn chặn tình trạng xương tiếp tục tiêu biến.

Bạn cũng có thể nhận thấy sự mất ổn định ở vai. Nếu khớp bị lỏng lẻo, xương đòn có thể dịch chuyển khi bạn vận động. Điều này có thể cảm thấy như vai bạn bị trật khỏi vị trí. Chuyển động theo chiều ngang của xương đòn trở nên rõ rệt nếu hơn 10 mm xương đã được loại bỏ hoặc mất đi. Sự mất ổn định này có thể khiến việc nâng vật trở nên khó khăn hơn.

Không phải tất cả những người bị viêm xương khớp do hao mòn khớp đều cần phẫu thuật. Một số bệnh nhân quản lý các triệu chứng bằng cách nghỉ ngơi và dùng thuốc. Tuy nhiên, nếu cơn đau dai dẳng và hạn chế cuộc sống hàng ngày của bạn, bác sĩ phẫu thuật có thể thảo luận về việc loại bỏ phần đầu của xương đòn. Thủ thuật này, được gọi là cắt xương đòn xa (distal clavicle resection), có thể giảm áp lực lên khớp. Nó thường được xem xét cho những cơn đau mãn tính không cải thiện với điều trị bảo tồn.

Những gì thực sự đang xảy ra

Xương đòn của bạn khớp với xương bả vai tại một khớp nhỏ gần đỉnh vai. Hãy tưởng tượng khớp này như một bộ giảm xóc cho phép cánh tay của bạn di chuyển tự do. Theo thời gian, sự mài mòn có thể làm hỏng lớp phủ trơn tru trên các đầu xương. Tình trạng này được gọi là viêm xương khớp. Cơ thể có thể phản ứng bằng cách phá hủy phần rất cuối của xương đòn, một quá trình được gọi là tiêu xương. Điều này tạo ra viêm và đau khi bạn di chuyển cánh tay qua cơ thể hoặc nâng vật thể lên quá đầu.

Đôi khi, vấn đề này xảy ra sau một chấn thương. Bạn có thể đã làm căng hoặc rách các dây chằng giữ xương đòn tại chỗ. Các dây chằng này hoạt động như những sợi dây chắc chắn giữ cho các xương thẳng hàng. Khi chúng bị tổn thương, cơ học khớp thay đổi. Xương bả vai và xương đòn có thể không di chuyển cùng nhau một cách trơn tru. Sự không khớp này có thể gây ra tiếng lạo xạo, cứng khớp và đau âm ỉ. Ngay cả khi chấn thương ban đầu có vẻ nhẹ, các kiểu vận động thay đổi có thể dẫn đến khó chịu về lâu dài. Khoảng một nửa số bệnh nhân bị rối loạn chức năng sau mười năm đối với một số loại chấn thương vai nhất định.

Trong các trường hợp hiếm, một nhiễm trùng mức độ thấp có thể gây ra sự phá hủy xương này. Vi khuẩn có thể bám vào khớp, kích thích cơ thể phá hủy mô xương. Nếu điều này xảy ra, việc loại bỏ đầu xương bị tổn thương và sử dụng kháng sinh có thể ngăn chặn quá trình này. Đối với hầu hết mọi người, cơn đau đến từ việc các bề mặt khớp cọ xát vào nhau hoặc các dây chằng bị kéo căng quá mức.

Bác sĩ phẫu thuật sẽ xem xét mức độ ảnh hưởng của xương và cách vai của bạn di chuyển. Nếu nghỉ ngơi và liệu pháp không giúp ích, việc loại bỏ đầu xương đòn bị tổn thương có thể làm giảm đau. Thủ thuật này tạo ra nhiều không gian hơn cho các xương di chuyển mà không bị cọ xát. Đây là một cách đáng tin cậy để cải thiện sự thoải mái cho những người bị đau dai dẳng hoặc viêm xương khớp. Mục tiêu là khôi phục chuyển động trơn tru và giảm viêm hạn chế các hoạt động hàng ngày của bạn.

Những gì chúng tôi có thể làm về vấn đề này

Phương pháp tiếp cận mà chúng tôi sử dụng cho tình trạng thoái hóa đầu xương đòn xa phản ánh cách thức mà Bác sĩ Kieran Hirpara, một bác sĩ phẫu thuật chi trên tại Bệnh viện Tư nhân Mater Rockhampton, quản lý tình trạng này tại phòng khám của chúng tôi. Bệnh nhân đến với phòng khám của chúng tôi thông qua sự giới thiệu từ bác sĩ đa khoa hoặc chuyên viên vật lý trị liệu. Chúng tôi bắt đầu bằng một đánh giá toàn diện, bao gồm khai thác tiền sử bệnh, khám thực thể và chụp chiếu nếu cần thiết. Đối với các vấn đề thoái hóa hoặc kéo dài, chúng tôi thường bắt đầu bằng điều trị không phẫu thuật. Điều này giúp cơ thể bạn có thời gian để giảm viêm và tăng cường vai để hỗ trợ khớp.

Bạn có thể bắt đầu bằng cách thay đổi các hoạt động gây đau. Tránh nâng vật nặng hoặc các cử động trên đầu trong một khoảng thời gian. Vật lý trị liệu nhằm mục đích cải thiện độ ổn định và tầm vận động của vai bạn. Chúng tôi thường khuyến nghị nên thử nghiệm phương pháp bảo tồn này một cách nghiêm túc trước khi xem xét các lựa chọn khác. Nếu tình trạng đau vẫn tiếp diễn, chúng tôi có thể thảo luận về quản lý bằng thuốc. Điều này có thể bao gồm thuốc giảm đau và thuốc chống viêm để giảm sưng. Chúng tôi cũng có thể cung cấp các mũi tiêm, chẳng hạn như cortisone, để làm dịu khớp trực tiếp. Những phương pháp điều trị này giúp kiểm soát các triệu chứng nhưng không thể đảo ngược tình trạng mất xương.

Phẫu thuật được xem xét khi điều trị bảo tồn không mang lại sự cải thiện đủ mức. Thủ thuật phổ biến nhất là cắt bỏ đầu xương đòn xa, trong đó chúng tôi loại bỏ phần đầu bị tổn thương của xương đòn. Điều này giúp giảm đau bằng cách ngăn chặn các xương cọ xát vào nhau. Việc loại bỏ bằng nội soi khớp cho phép bệnh nhân trở lại các hoạt động nhanh hơn so với phẫu thuật mở, trong khi vẫn mang lại kết quả dài hạn tương tự. Trong các trường hợp mất ổn định mạn tính, chúng tôi có thể tái tạo khớp bằng cách sử dụng dây chằng của chính bạn. Đối với các trường hợp trật khớp nặng và kéo dài, việc loại bỏ hoàn toàn đầu xương đòn là một lựa chọn mang lại sự hài lòng cao ở bệnh nhân. Chúng tôi thảo luận về các lựa chọn này với bạn để đảm bảo kế hoạch điều trị phù hợp với nhu cầu và mục tiêu cụ thể của bạn.

Những điều cần biết

Thoái hóa mỏm xương đòn xa là một tình trạng do hao mòn, trong đó phần xương ở đầu xương đòn bị phá hủy. Điều này thường gây đau dai dẳng ở khớp vai. Nếu bạn có các chấn thương cấp tính chưa được điều trị, đa số bệnh nhân đều tiến triển tốt mà không cần bất kỳ phương pháp điều trị chính thức nào. Tuy nhiên, một tỷ lệ nhỏ bệnh nhân có thể cần can thiệp phẫu thuật muộn nếu các triệu chứng vẫn tiếp tục.

Khi các triệu chứng không tự thuyên giảm, bác sĩ phẫu thuật có thể khuyến nghị cắt bỏ đầu ngoài của xương đòn. Thủ thuật này mang lại sự cải thiện đáng tin cậy và rõ rệt ở những bệnh nhân bị đau dai dẳng hoặc viêm xương khớp sau chấn thương. Bạn có thể mong đợi thời gian trở lại các hoạt động nhanh hơn với phẫu thuật nội soi khớp so với phẫu thuật mở, trong khi vẫn đạt được kết quả dài hạn tương tự. Cả hai phương pháp đều giảm đau đáng kể sau 1 năm.

Quá trình hồi phục diễn ra dần dần. Trong ngắn hạn, bạn có thể nhận thấy sự trở lại nhanh chóng của chức năng với mức độ biến chứng không đáng kể. Về dài hạn, kết quả lâm sàng tốt được duy trì trong nhiều năm. Mười lăm năm sau phẫu thuật, sự giảm xương khớp giải phẫu thường được duy trì, mặc dù một số bệnh nhân có thể có sự phát triển xương không triệu chứng gần các dây chằng.

Điều quan trọng là cần hiểu rằng kết quả điều trị có thể khác nhau. Cắt bỏ xương không hoàn toàn là nguyên nhân phổ biến nhất dẫn đến phẫu thuật chỉnh hình lại. Nếu còn lại hơn 10 mm xương, có thể xảy ra mất ổn định theo phương ngang. Bệnh nhân có di lệch nặng trước phẫu thuật có thể có kết quả lâm sàng kém hơn. Việc cắt bỏ hoàn toàn đầu xương thường chỉ được dành cho các trường hợp cụ thể như nhiễm trùng mạn tính hoặc ung thư, vì nó có thể không làm giảm đau sau chấn thương một cách hiệu quả mặc dù đã khôi phục phạm vi vận động hoàn toàn.

Nếu tình trạng của bạn do một loại vi khuẩn cụ thể gây ra, sự kết hợp giữa cắt bỏ xương và kháng sinh có thể ngăn chặn quá trình này. Trong những trường hợp như vậy, bệnh nhân không có triệu chứng sau 10 tháng phẫu thuật. Nếu không được điều trị, mất giảm xương khớp muộn là phổ biến trong các trường hợp trật khớp. Với việc quản lý thích hợp, bạn có thể mong đợi sự giảm bớt cơn đau do ma sát và cải thiện độ ổn định của khớp vai. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ giúp bạn quyết định xem liệu con đường này có phù hợp với chấn thương cụ thể của bạn hay không.

Khi nào cần gặp bác sĩ

Hãy gặp bác sĩ đa khoa nếu bạn bị đau vai không cải thiện sau khi nghỉ ngơi. Hãy yêu cầu đánh giá bởi bác sĩ chuyên khoa nếu bạn cảm thấy yếu hoặc mất ổn định ở khớp. Chú ý hiện tượng kẹt khớp hoặc cảm giác vai bị trật. Những triệu chứng này có thể ảnh hưởng đến giấc ngủ hoặc công việc. Tình trạng đau tăng đột ngột cũng là lý do để đi khám. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật sẽ kiểm tra các vấn đề như thay đổi cấu trúc xương hoặc mất ổn định. Ví dụ, việc cắt bỏ hơn 10 mm xương có thể gây mất ổn định theo phương ngang. Việc cắt bỏ xương không hoàn toàn có thể dẫn đến tái phát và nhu cầu phẫu thuật thêm. Đánh giá sớm giúp quản lý các nguy cơ này một cách hiệu quả.


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

  • Distal clavicle resection combined with antibiotics halted osteolysis in a case of Propionibacterium acnes–mediated distal clavicular osteolysis, with the patient remaining symptom-free at 10 months post-surgery [1].
  • Patients undergoing arthroscopic distal clavicle excision via the direct approach for acromioclavicular joint pathology can expect a faster return to activities compared with the open procedure, while obtaining similar long-term outcomes [2].
  • Open or arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is necessary to relieve symptoms in appropriately selected patients [4].
  • Late loss of reduction was common in acromioclavicular joint dislocations, but clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis [5].
  • Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than the open procedure, though this finding is comprised of low-level evidence [8].
  • A well-performed distal clavicle excision will likely perform better than a poorly performed one, regardless of whether an open or arthroscopic approach is chosen [9].
  • Excision of the outer end of the clavicle is preferred for old acromioclavicular joint dislocations, while open reduction and internal fixation are not recommended due to complications and poor functional results [13].
  • For chronic symptomatic acromioclavicular joint injuries, partial claviculectomy is believed to be the best procedure, offering negligible morbidity and rapid return to function [14].
  • Both arthroscopic and open distal clavicle excisions provide significant pain reduction at 1 year with no significant difference in outcome measures between groups, except for VAS pain score improvement [17].
  • Routine distal clavicle excision is not absolutely necessary in patients with symptomatic acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [20].
  • Total claviculectomy is a possible treatment option for chronic clavicular dislocation, yielding excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction [22].
  • Total claviculectomy yielded good results for patients with chronic osteitis and malignancy but unsatisfying results for those with chronic posttraumatic pain, despite full range of motion being regained in all cases [27].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • A precise, easy to use and low-cost non-invasive method able to draw and analyze the kinematics of the shoulder complex has not been developed yet [29].
  • Normative kinematic values of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle have been provided [30].
  • No reconstruction strategy completely restores the shoulder girdle to its preinjured state, although each technique restores different elements of joint kinematics [31].
  • The trapezoid and conoid ligaments have unique functions in normal shoulder kinematics because of their anatomic attachments [32].
  • Kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation [33].
  • Scapular and clavicular kinematics were affected in AC separation models [34].
  • A comprehensive clinical approach emphasizing the evaluation of the extent of the anatomic injury and understanding its mechanical consequences regarding shoulder and arm function is a key in the development of guidelines for developing operative or non-operative treatment protocols and for establishing outcomes of the treatment protocols [35].
  • The inconsistency of AC joint testing parameters and the lack of thorough translation studies indicate a necessity for increased attention in the overall assessment of shoulder stability to close the gap in the foundational biomechanical research [36].
  • Anatomically, the pectoralis minor tendon provides sufficient tissue length, excursion, and width [37].
  • Biomechanically, the pectoralis minor tendon is as strong as the coracoacromial ligament [37].
  • No significant biomechanical differences in displacement or stiffness were seen between the anatomical landmark technique and the coracoid-based landmarks technique for coracoclavicular stabilization [38].
  • New surgical techniques continue to evolve as more biomechanical data emerge and kinematic understanding improves [39].
  • Emerging concepts and strategies regarding horizontal and rotational instability and scapular biomechanics aim to lay the foundation for future studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient management [40].
  • Preliminary findings revealed no detectable differences between surgically reconstructed and uninjured sides in ACJ biomechanics, range of motion, and isometric strength [41].
  • Nonoperatively treated shoulders showed increased internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting [41].
  • Type I and II acromioclavicular joint disruptions impair long-term shoulder function in about half of patients 10 years after injury [43].
  • At 150 to 200 N of loading, CAL excision and acromioplasty increase the rotator cuff force required to maintain normal glenohumeral biomechanics by 25% to 30% [44].
  • Centre of pressure measurement detected sensorimotor functional deficits following surgical treatment of the shoulder joint in patients with confirmed successful clinical and functional outcomes [45].

Classification

  • The ISAKOS Upper Extremity Committee suggests adding grade IIIA and grade IIIB injuries to a modified Rockwood classification to distinguish between stable type III injuries and unstable grade III injuries with therapy-resistant scapular dysfunction and overriding clavicle [50].
  • Methods to diagnose both superior and posterior translation of the clavicle need further debate [15].
  • Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle had poorer postoperative clinical outcomes [6].
  • Horizontal instability of the clavicle is evident with distal clavicle resection of greater than 10 mm [11].
  • Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle has yielded satisfactory results in this group of patients, with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [7].
  • Excision of the outer end of the clavicle is preferred for old dislocations, while open reduction and internal fixation are not recommended due to complications and poor functional results [13].
  • 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 [48].
  • Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision [10].
  • The combination of distal clavicle resection and antibiotics halted the osteolysis, and the patient has remained symptom free at 10 months after surgery [1].
  • The case highlights the need to consider Gorham-Stout disease in patients presenting with massive osteolysis after shoulder surgery [3].

Clinical Presentation

  • Distal clavicle osteolysis can be mediated by Propionibacterium acnes [1].
  • Massive osteolysis may occur as a complication following shoulder surgery, such as posterior shoulder capsulorrhaphy [3].
  • Segmental fractures of the clavicle are easily missed and may present with acromioclavicular joint disruption [21].
  • Late loss of reduction is common in acromioclavicular joint dislocations [5].
  • Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle have poorer postoperative clinical outcomes [6].
  • Subacromial osteolysis following hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular dislocation has a relatively high and variable incidence [12].
  • The primary factor influencing the reported incidence of subacromial osteolysis is the radiological assessment method [12].
  • Clavicular tunnel widening was observed in 70% of patients at final follow-up after coracoclavicular stabilization surgery [16].
  • Clavicular tunnel widening has a higher prevalence in chronic cases than in acute cases [16].
  • Radiological assessment may show a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after hardware removal following acromioclavicular joint stabilization, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization [18].
  • Distal clavicle fracture is a potential complication of misidentification of the AC joint and subsequent aggressive burring during shoulder arthroscopy [26].

Investigations

  • Distal clavicle resection combined with antibiotics halted osteolysis in a case of Propionibacterium acnes–mediated distal clavicular osteolysis [1].
  • Massive osteolysis after shoulder surgery requires consideration of Gorham-Stout disease as a diagnosis [3].
  • Late loss of reduction was common in acromioclavicular joint dislocations, while clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis [5].
  • Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle had poorer postoperative clinical outcomes after acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated with the endobutton device [6].
  • Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle yielded satisfactory results in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation and subluxation, with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [7].
  • Subacromial osteolysis following hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular dislocation has a relatively high and variable incidence, with the primary factor influencing the reported incidence being the radiological assessment method [12].
  • Radiological assessment showed a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after hardware removal following acromioclavicular joint stabilization using a suspensory fixation system, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization [18].
  • Weighted stress radiographs significantly increased the measured elevation of the clavicle and the coracoclavicular distance compared to non-weighted views in acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations [47].
  • A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose bone osteolysis following acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using synthetic ligament early before irretrievable bone loss occurs [54].
  • Segmental fractures of the clavicle are easily missed [21].

Treatment

  • The combination of distal clavicle resection and antibiotics halted osteolysis in a case of Propionibacterium acnes–mediated distal clavicular osteolysis, with the patient remaining symptom-free at 10 months post-surgery [1].
  • Patients undergoing arthroscopic distal clavicle excision via the direct approach can expect a faster return to activities compared with open procedures while obtaining similar long-term outcomes [2].
  • Clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis following late loss of reduction after acromioclavicular joint dislocation [5].
  • Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle yielded satisfactory results in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation, with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [7].
  • Acromioclavicular joint reconstruction with coracoacromial ligament transfer using the docking technique achieved excellent clinical results and decreased the risk of recurrent distal clavicle instability [23].
  • Satisfactory outcomes for fracture clavicle with acromioclavicular dislocation depend upon restoring the stability of the clavicle as well as the acromioclavicular joint [24].
  • Ipsilateral os acromiale may be a relative contraindication to the clavicle hook plate [46].
  • Open and arthroscopic distal clavicle excision are both effective surgeries to treat recalcitrant acromioclavicular joint pain, providing similarly good to excellent results regarding patient satisfaction and shoulder function at intermediate-term follow-up [49].
  • Less residual pain was found using the arthroscopic technique compared with the open procedure for distal clavicle excision [49].
  • High-level studies on treatment modalities for acromioclavicular joint pain are limited [52].

Complications

  • Distal clavicle osteolysis mediated by Propionibacterium acnes can be halted by the combination of distal clavicle resection and antibiotics, with patients remaining symptom-free at 10 months post-surgery [1].
  • Gorham-Stout disease should be considered in patients presenting with massive osteolysis after shoulder surgery [3].
  • Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision following distal clavicle resection [10].
  • Subacromial osteolysis following hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular dislocation has a relatively high and variable incidence, with the primary factor influencing reported incidence being the radiological assessment method [12].
  • Clavicular tunnel widening was observed in 70% of patients at final follow-up after coracoclavicular stabilization surgery, with a higher prevalence in chronic than in acute cases [16].
  • Late loss of reduction was common in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation, while clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis [5].
  • Simple excision of the outer end of the clavicle has yielded satisfactory results in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation, with no residual upward displacement disturbing the patients [7].
  • The minimally invasive TightRope system showed reduced risk of subacromial distal clavicle osteolysis compared to the hook plate in the treatment of acute type III acromioclavicular dislocation [51].
  • Asymptomatic ossification of the coracoclavicular ligaments can occur 15 years postoperatively following anatomic reduction of acute acromioclavicular joint separations [19].

Recovery

  • Late loss of reduction was common in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation, but clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis [5].
  • Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision after acromioclavicular joint resection [10].
  • A majority of patients with untreated acute grade III acromioclavicular separation will do well without any formal treatment, though a small percentage may require delayed surgical intervention [56].
  • Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle had poorer postoperative clinical outcomes following acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated with the endobutton device [6].
  • Fifteen years postoperatively, good clinical results persisted and anatomic reduction was overall maintained after arthroscopically assisted 2-bundle anatomic reduction of acute acromioclavicular joint separations, often with asymptomatic ossification of the coracoclavicular ligaments [19].
  • Radiological assessment showed a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after hardware removal following acromioclavicular joint stabilization using a suspensory fixation system, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization, though this may not negatively influence the results of acromioclavicular joint stabilization in a clinically relevant way [18].
  • The short-term follow-up of 15 patients treated with minimally invasive coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using a flip button/polydioxanone repair revealed excellent radiologic and clinical results, with no subluxations or dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint noted [25].
  • The combination of distal clavicle resection and antibiotics halted Propionibacterium acnes–mediated distal clavicular osteolysis, and the patient remained symptom free at 10 months after surgery [1].

Key Evidence

  • [Case_report] The combination of distal clavicle resection and antibiotics halted the osteolysis, and the patient has remained symptom free at 10 months after surgery. [1] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.03.004)
  • [L3] Among patients undergoing distal clavicle excision for acromioclavicular joint pathology, those having an arthroscopic procedure, specifically through the direct approach, can expect a faster return to activities while obtaining similar long-term outcomes compared with the open procedure. [2] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.007)
  • [L4] The case highlights the need to consider this diagnosis in patients presenting with massive osteolysis after shoulder surgery. [3] (10.1016/j.jse.2012.05.024)
  • [L5] In appropriately selected patients, open or arthroscopic distal clavicle resection is necessary to relieve symptoms. [4] (10.5435/00124635-199905000-00004)
  • [L3] Late loss of reduction was common, and clavicular resection reliably produced significant improvement in patients with persistent pain or posttraumatic arthritis. [5] (10.2106/00004623-198769070-00013)
  • [L3] Patients with displacement greater than 100% of the thickness of the distal clavicle had poorer postoperative clinical outcomes. [6] (10.1186/s12891-025-09190-x)
  • [L3] Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection has provided more 'good or excellent' results than has the open procedure, but is comprised of low-level evidence. [8] (10.1097/blo.0b013e31802f5450)
  • [L5] A well-performed distal clavicle excision will likely perform better than a poorly performed one, regardless of whether an open or arthroscopic approach is chosen. [9] (10.1016/j.arthro.2018.03.004)
  • [L4] Incomplete excision and regrowth of the distal clavicle are the most common causes of revision. [10] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.06.010)
  • [L4] Horizontal instability of the clavicle is evident with distal clavicle resection of greater than 10 mm. [11] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.05.003)
  • [L1] Subacromial osteolysis has a relatively high and variable incidence, and the primary factor influencing the reported incidence is the radiological assessment method. [12] (10.1016/j.jse.2024.03.018)
  • [L4] Excision of the outer end of the clavicle is preferred for old dislocations, while open reduction and internal fixation are not recommended due to complications and poor functional results. [13] (10.2106/00004623-196345080-00024)
  • [L4] Methods to diagnose both superior and posterior translation of the clavicle need further debate. [15] (10.1016/j.jseint.2019.11.006)
  • [L1] Clavicular tunnel widening was observed in 70% of patients at final follow-up, with a higher prevalence in chronic than in acute cases. [16] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.09.037)
  • [L1] Arthroscopic and open distal clavicle excisions both provide significant pain reduction at 1 year with no significant difference in outcome measures between groups, except for VAS pain score improvement. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.10.006)
  • [L4] Although radiological assessment showed a statistically significant immediate superior clavicular displacement after this rarely required procedure, with an increased incidence in the first year following stabilization, this may not negatively influence the results of ACJ stabilization in a clinically relevant way. [18] (10.1007/s00167-022-06978-5)
  • [L3] Fifteen years postoperatively, good clinical results persisted and anatomic reduction was overall maintained, often with asymptomatic ossification of the coracoclavicular ligaments. [19] (10.1177/03635465251355958)
  • [L2] Routine distal clavicle excision is not absolutely necessary, even in patients with symptomatic ACJ osteoarthritis. [20] (10.1007/s00167-020-06098-y)
  • [Case_report] The case highlights that segmental fractures of the clavicle are easily missed. [21] (10.1177/1758573214564496)
  • [Case_report] Total claviculectomy is a possible treatment option for chronic clavicular dislocation with excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction. [22] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.03.007)
  • [L4] Excellent clinical results were achieved, decreasing the risk of recurrent distal clavicle instability. [23] (10.1186/1471-2474-10-6)
  • [L4] Satisfactory outcome depends upon restoring the stability of the clavicle as well as the acromioclavicular joint. [24] (10.1111/j.1758-5740.2010.00102.x)
  • [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. [25] (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.12.015)
  • [L4] Distal clavicle fracture is a potential complication of misidentification of the AC joint and subsequent aggressive burring during shoulder arthroscopy. [26] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.02.008)
  • [L4] Total claviculectomy yielded good results for patients with chronic osteitis and malignancy but unsatisfying results for those with chronic posttraumatic pain, despite full range of motion being regained in all cases. [27] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.07.007)
  • [L5] Despite technology innovations, a precise, easy to use and low-cost non-invasive method able to draw and analyze the kinematics of the shoulder complex has not been developed yet. [29] (10.1177/17585732221090226)
  • [L5] This study provided normative kinematic values of scapulothoracic movements in the shoulder girdle. [30] (10.1016/j.jseint.2022.09.014)
  • [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 trapezoid and conoid ligaments have unique functions in normal shoulder kinematics because of their anatomic attachments. [32] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.12.031)
  • [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)
  • [L5] A comprehensive clinical approach emphasizing the evaluation of the extent of the anatomic injury and understanding its mechanical consequences regarding shoulder and arm function is a key in the development of guidelines for developing operative or non-operative treatment protocols and for establishing outcomes of the treatment protocols. [35] (10.1177/17585732221122335)
  • [L4] The inconsistency of AC joint testing parameters and the lack of thorough translation studies indicate a necessity for increased attention in the overall assessment of shoulder stability to close the gap in the foundational biomechanical research. [36] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.06.009)
  • [L5] Anatomically, it provides sufficient tissue length, excursion, and width, and biomechanically, it is as strong as the coracoacromial ligament. [37] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.09.007)
  • [L5] No significant biomechanical differences in displacement or stiffness were seen between the anatomical landmark technique and the coracoid-based landmarks technique. [38] (10.1177/23259671221132541)
  • [L5] New surgical techniques continue to evolve as more biomechanical data emerge and kinematic understanding improves. [39] (10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00776)
  • [L5] By exploring emerging concepts and strategies regarding horizontal and rotational instability and scapular biomechanics, the article aims to lay the foundation for future studies aimed at improving treatment outcomes and patient management. [40] (10.1016/j.jseint.2023.11.018)
  • [L4] Preliminary findings revealed no detectable differences between surgically reconstructed and uninjured sides in ACJ biomechanics, range of motion, and isometric strength, while nonoperatively treated shoulders showed increased internal rotation, upward rotation, and posterior tilting. [41] (10.1177/23259671241274707)
  • [L4] Type I and II acromioclavicular joint disruptions impair long-term shoulder function in about half of patients 10 years after injury. [43] (10.1177/0363546508319047)
  • [L5] At 150 to 200 N of loading, CAL excision and acromioplasty increase the rotator cuff force required to maintain normal glenohumeral biomechanics by 25% to 30%. [44] (10.1016/j.jse.2015.10.022)
  • [L3] Centre of pressure measurement detected sensorimotor functional deficits following surgical treatment of the shoulder joint in patients with confirmed successful clinical and functional outcomes. [45] (10.1007/s00167-021-06751-0)
  • [L4] Ipsilateral os acromiale may be a relative contraindication to the clavicle hook plate. [46] (10.1186/s12891-021-04841-1)
  • [L4] Weighted stress radiographs significantly increased the measured elevation of the clavicle and the coracoclavicular distance compared to non-weighted views. [47] (10.1016/j.jseint.2023.06.011)
  • [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. [48] (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.008)
  • [L3] Open and arthroscopic distal clavicle excision are both effective surgeries to treat recalcitrant acromioclavicular joint pain, providing similarly good to excellent results regarding patient satisfaction and shoulder function at intermediate-term follow-up, though less residual pain was found using the arthroscopic technique. [49] (10.1177/0363546511419633)
  • [L5] The ISAKOS Upper Extremity Committee suggests adding grade IIIA and grade IIIB injuries to a modified Rockwood classification to distinguish between stable type III injuries and unstable grade III injuries with therapy-resistant scapular dysfunction and overriding clavicle. [50] (10.1016/j.arthro.2013.11.005)
  • [L3] However, the minimally invasive TightRope system showed further benefits such as reduced reoperation for implant removal and reduced risk of subacromial distal clavicle osteolysis. [51] (10.1155/2022/8706638)
  • [L2] High-level studies on treatment modalities for acromio-clavicular joint pain are limited. [52] (10.1177/1758573217700839)
  • [L4] A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose such complications early before irretrievable bone loss to osteolysis. [54] (10.1111/sae.12035)
  • [L2] A majority of patients with untreated acute grade III acromioclavicular separation will do well without any formal treatment, though a small percentage may require delayed surgical intervention. [56] (10.1177/03635465010290060401)

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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.


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