The Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) is located at the tip of the shoulder where the shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle) come together at a point-called the acromion-on the upper surface of the shoulder blade. These two bones are held together by tough, sinewy tissues-ligaments-that tie the bones together.
There is a pad, known as the meniscus, in the joint between the two bones that allows them to move on each other. As a person moves his/her shoulder, the AC joint shifts slightly to allow the shoulder to move freely but to continue to be supported by the clavicle.
Most ACJ dislocations do not require surgery and almost all can be managed with:
- Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Physiotherapy to ‘retrain’ the shoulder muscles
Most people fully recover without any problems, however overhead athletes and manual workers may have persistent symptoms and require surgery.
Surgery is indicated if the shoulder is still painful and there is some functional loss at about three to six months after the injury.
Most injuries tend to be classified as Type 1 or Type 2 injuries and for these, the removal of the damaged joint is performed. This is done by keyhole surgery (arthroscopically) and is known as an Arthroscopic ACJ Excision.
