Summary
Acromioclavicular joint arthrosis manifests itself through pain when moving the arm or through a pressure pain above the acromioclavicular joint – in the shoulder height region. Pain that occurs at night when lying on the affected side is particularly restrictive. Therapy is initially performed conservatively by means of physiotherapy – mobilizing exercises and exercises to expand the subacromial space, therapeutic techniques to relax cramped muscles and mobilize stuck tissue, and mobilizing mostly manual therapeutic techniques.
Heat and cold applications can have a soothing effect on acute irritations. If necessary, short-term immobilization can relieve the joint. In cases of severe therapy-resistant pain or severely restrictive loss of movement, surgery can be performed to widen the joint space and relieve the joint surfaces.
In most cases, this can be done minimally invasive, arthroscopically. If the ligamentous apparatus of the ACG is no longer stable enough, the joint must be opened completely and stabilized by means of an autotendonoplasty. This is followed by early mobilization and subsequent physiotherapeutic treatment.
Pain that occurs as a result of osteoarthritis can be alleviated as described above by exercises, physical stimulation or immobilization. Medication is adjusted by the treating physician.
