acromioclavicular joint degeneration; acromioclavicular arthritis

Etiology

• trauma in younger patients
• osteoarthritis in older patients

Clinical manifestations

• pain on the superior aspect of shoulder
  • pain may be poorly localized in some patients
• pain on palpation of the acromioclavicular joint (sensitive but not specific)
• palpable osteophytes may be present
• pain with shoulder adduction across the body (positive cross-arm test)
• pain with shoulder abduction > 120 degrees

Radiology

• shoulder X-ray can reveal acromioclavicular joint degeneration (osteoarthritis) but imaging generally not required

Differential diagnosis

• bilateral involvement suggests rheumatoid arthritis

Management

• NSAIDs
• change in activity
• see osteoarthritis

More general terms

• joint disease; articular disease; arthropathy

Additional terms

• acromioclavicular joint