Acromioclavicular Osteoarthritis
Degenerative wear at the AC joint that can produce joint narrowing and spurring
Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis is degenerative wear of the AC joint that can appear on X-ray as joint narrowing, sclerosis, and spurring.
The AC joint sits at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the acromion. Osteoarthritis there can cause pain, tenderness, and bony spurring.
Representative X-ray
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What it is
- This is a degenerative joint condition affecting the acromioclavicular joint, often with cartilage loss, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte formation
How it appears on chest X-ray
- On X-ray, findings may include narrowing of the AC joint, sclerosis, irregular margins, and inferior or superior spurs
What radiologists look for
- Radiologists assess the degree of joint narrowing, spur formation, distal clavicle remodeling, and whether there are associated impingement-related changes
How X-ray helps
- X-ray shows AC joint narrowing and spurring clearly and is a common first imaging test for this pattern
Causes
- Causes include age-related degeneration, prior AC joint injury, repetitive overhead use, and chronic wear
Symptoms
- Symptoms often include pain at the top of the shoulder, tenderness over the AC joint, pain with reaching across the body, and stiffness
Risk factors
- Risk factors include older age, prior AC joint trauma, repetitive use, heavy lifting, and shoulder overuse
Complications
- Complications can include chronic shoulder pain, impingement-related symptoms, and reduced function
When to seek medical care
- Persistent shoulder pain, top-of-shoulder tenderness, or worsening function should prompt medical review
Evaluation and diagnosis
- Evaluation includes symptom review, physical exam, radiographs, and broader shoulder assessment if multiple pain sources are possible
Treatment approaches
- Management may include activity modification, physical therapy, pain control, injections in selected cases, and orthopedic review if symptoms persist
Medication classes clinicians may use
Medication often focuses on pain control and inflammation reduction rather than reversing structural degeneration.
Treatment modalities commonly paired with medication decisions
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Pain control
- Orthopedic review when persistent
Analgesics
Used to reduce pain from degenerative AC joint change.
- acetaminophen
NSAIDs
Often used when inflammation and pain need additional control.
- ibuprofen
- naproxen
FAQ
Can X-ray show AC joint arthritis well?
Yes. X-ray commonly shows joint narrowing, sclerosis, and bony spurs at the AC joint.
Can AC joint arthritis cause shoulder impingement symptoms?
It can contribute, especially when spurs project inferiorly and irritate nearby structures.