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Acromio-Clavicular Joint (ACJ)
This joint is located at the end of the collarbone (clavicle) which joins the acromion portion of the shoulder blade (scapula). Just like any other joint, it is lined with a smooth cartilage and is stabilised with ligaments and capsule. It has little movement in it, but contributes by a great deal to the overall movement of the shoulder joint.
Injury
The common cause for injuring the ACJ is a fall or direct impact to the shoulder. It can result to a variety of damages, ranging from simple bruising/sprain to a complete dislocation/fracture of the joint. The diagnosis is made by the specialist with the aid of X-ray and possibly a scan.
Treatment options depend on the type of the injury. If it is a simple sprain of the ACJ, this will be treated by period of rest (with arm sling), analgesia followed by physiotherapy. In the case of severe injury like complete dislocation, the joint may need to be reduced and fixed by an operation. This can be done by an open procedure like plate fixation, ligament reconstruction around the joint or combination of both. In some other suitable cases, the joint stabilisation operation can be performed by keyhole surgery. Back...
Arthritis
This joint can suffer from any form of Arthritis. The common form though is osteoarthritis (Wear & Tear). The patient is usually complaining of pain in the tip of the shoulder. Special movements are particularly worse than the other, like the arm crossing the chest (to clean the opposite armpit, for instance) and left the hand way above the head. Also, putting any pressure on the joint (like sleeping on that shoulder during the night) can generate a lot of pain. Initial treatment like analgesia, anti-inflammatory tablets and steroid injection can be of some help. If that is unsuccessful, then excision of the joint by keyhole surgery (arthroscopicaly) will be recommended for the patient. Back...
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