Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is the Acromioclavicular Joint?
It is the joint between the clavicle and the acromion (the upper and anterior part of the shoulder blade).
What Is Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis?
It is the degeneration of the articular surfaces caused either by chronic strain and weightlifting or following an injury or dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint.
Symptoms of Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Swelling and tenderness on palpation
Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected shoulder
Severe and persistent pain even when the shoulder is not moving
Weakness of the upper limb
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
A patient with acromioclavicular joint conditions requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. The doctor will perform an ultrasound scan of the shoulder to assess the integrity of the underlying tendons, the presence of fluid within the joint, as well as any other possible shoulder injuries. An X-ray of the shoulder will be required to evaluate the degree of degeneration of the articular surfaces. In some cases, an MRI scan of the shoulder may be required.
Conservative Treatment for Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis
The initial treatment is conservative and includes the following:
Rest and activity modification
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme.
Injection of cortisone, hyaluronic acid or autologous healing factors (PRP), under ultrasound guidance
Indications for Surgical Treatment of the Acromioclavicular Joint
Failure of conservative treatment
Presence of other associated conditions, such as tears of other shoulder tendons.
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment fails, shoulder arthroscopy offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes. Shoulder arthroscopy involves 3 incisions, each 4 millimetres long. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and the necessary instruments are inserted into the shoulder. Exclusively by Dr Leonidou’s team, patients are offered the option of undergoing shoulder arthroscopy without general anaesthesia and without sedation. The specialist anaesthesiologist will administer regional-local anaesthesia, and the patient will remain awake during the procedure. During the operation, the degenerated articular surfaces are removed. At the same time, any other existing shoulder conditions are treated (such as tendon tears).
How Successful Is Surgery for Acromioclavicular Joint Osteoarthritis?
Arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint arthritis is a safe and bloodless procedure with extremely low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes. The patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours after the operation, wearing a sling for 3 days. Immediate mobilisation is encouraged and, with the help of physiotherapy, the patient returns to all daily activities within a short period of time.
What Is the Cost of Surgery?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you have acromioclavicular joint arthritis, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in shoulder conditions.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.