Surgery for acromioclavicular joint arthrosis
In cases of severe limitations and therapy-resistant pain, surgery may be the treatment of choice for acromioclavicular joint arthrosis. There are various surgical options. In most cases, arthroscopic surgery is performed, i.e. an endoscope is used without opening the joint wide.
During the operation, bony attachments are also removed from the subacromial space and the joint. Furthermore, a part of the collarbone is removed to avoid painful rubbing of the bony joint surfaces. If the ligaments of the acromioclavicular joint are still intact, this is the most frequently used surgical technique.
An early mobilization in all directions of movement approved by the surgeon and a physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment is performed. In the case of previous ligament ruptures (tossy injury, acromioclavicular joint rupture), surgical securing and stabilization may be necessary after enlargement of the joint space.This is often done by a tendon plastic from a thigh tendon. Early mobilization is also possible here. In the article “Physiotherapy for a Collarbone Fracture” you might be interested in the section on surgery.
Pain with acromioclavicular joint arthrosis
Since arthrosis leads to wear and tear of the joint cartilage, up to complete abrasion (cartilage baldness), movements in the affected joint are usually very painful and limited. The surrounding musculature is tense, relieving postures occur. After prolonged immobilization, loading or movement, severe pain may occur.
The sensitivity of the shoulder to pressure is particularly restrictive and disturbing. Patients wake up due to the pain during the night when lying on the affected side, or cannot fall asleep at all. Pain in the acromioclavicular joint arthrosis can be relieved by heat or cold.
Sometimes gentle mobilizing movements can also help. A suitable pain medication should be discussed with the doctor. In some cases, orthoses or tapes can also stabilize the shoulder and thus relieve pain. If the pain is resistant to long-term therapy, surgery is usually performed to eliminate the limiting symptoms.
