If conservative measures do not lead to the desired success, the following surgical measures can be considered for osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint (arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint):
- Resection (removal) of the joint involving the lateral end of the clavicle (outer portion of the clavicle).
- arthroscopic approach
- The distance between the clavicle (collarbone) and acromion is widened.
- Indication: isolated osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint with intact ligamentous apparatus.
- open surgery
- Unlike isolated osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, the clavicle must be reattached to the scapula. For this purpose, part of the body’s own tendon is used (tendoplasty). The torn or missing ligamentous apparatus is thus replaced.
- Indication: arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint as a result of trauma after rupture of the ligaments of the joint (e.g., acromioclavicular joint dislocation).
- arthroscopic approach
