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Acromioclavicular Joint

SUMMARY

The acromiclavicular joint (ACJ) is situated betwen the collar bone (clavicle) and part of the shoulder blade (acromion).
Pain from the ACJ can occur for a variety of reasons.
Pain is typically localised to the region of the joint.
Treatment may require a localised injection, surgery, or both

Where is the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) ?

The acromioclavicular joint lies at the outer end of the collar bone between the collar bone (clavicle) and the upper portion of the shoulder blade (acromion)
The ACJ and sternoclavicular joints (SCJ) are key links between the arm and central skeleton. The ACJ is reinforced by strong ligaments (the coracoclavicluar ligaments) that run from part of the shoulder blade (coracoid) to the collar bone.

The acromioclavicular Joint (ACJ)

What type of conditions affect the ACJ ?

The ACJ can be damaged by trauma, infection (rarely), inflammatory and degenerative disease.

X-ray of a normal acromioclavicular joint


Disruption of the ACJ	X-ray of an arthritic ACJ

In many cases of degenerative disease there may be a background of previous trauma or a heavy manual occupation.

MRI with ACJ degeneration

What symptoms arise from the ACJ?

Symptoms from the acromioclavicular include pain and instability of the joint. Pain from the ACJ is commonly located on the point of the shoulder.

Article written by
Mr Angus Robertson
Consultant Knee and Shoulder Surgeon
Cardiff Sports Orthopaedics
Last updated 03/08/10