Treatment includes: analgesics and anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, infiltration of corticosteroid product.
If pain persists, we propose arthroscopic removal of the distal end of the clavicle (5 mm). The operation is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient's arm is immobilized in a sling for 2-3 weeks. Rehabilitation sessions can start one week after the operation.
An X-ray is often suffisante for diagnosis.
An arthroscanner and MRI scan may be performed to check for associated lesions.
Patients can no longer sleep on the affected shoulder. Crossing the arms (forced adduction) awakens pain, and palpation is often painful. A local deformity gradually appears. Noises can be heard during certain movements.
Of all the tests performed in the consultation, the "cross arm" test seems to me to be the most useful.
The acromioclavicular joint is the joint between the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) and the clavicle. Destruction of the cartilage covering the contact surfaces of these two bones results in acromioclavicular osteoarthritis.