Acromioclavicular (AC) joint surgery

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the outer tip of the shoulder blade (acromion). It can be injured through trauma, producing AC joint separation, or develop arthritis as part of the normal ageing process.

AC joint separation

AC joint separation is a ligamentous injury, typically caused by a fall onto the point of the shoulder or a direct blow. Separations are graded 1–6 according to severity. Most lower-grade injuries settle with non-surgical treatment. Higher-grade injuries with significant displacement or persistent instability may benefit from surgical stabilisation.

AC joint arthritis

Degenerative arthritis of the AC joint produces pain at the top of the shoulder, often aggravated by reaching across the body or lifting above shoulder height. When physiotherapy and corticosteroid injections do not provide lasting relief, arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle (removal of a small amount of bone) can eliminate joint-surface contact and reduce pain.

Surgical approach

AC joint stabilisation for higher-grade separations typically involves reconstructing the coracoclavicular ligaments, sometimes with augmentation. Distal clavicle resection for arthritis is performed arthroscopically as a day procedure. Dr Myhill will discuss the most appropriate procedure for your situation.