The Acromio Clavicular Joint or AC Joint is one of the joints which form the shoulder girdle. It is located on top of the shoulder as is easily palpated. Patients with AC joint arthritis frequently have pain and swelling on the AC joint. The pain is particularly aggravated by overhead activities like lifting weight over your head, putting something back on the top shelf etc. It is commonly seen in middle aged and elderly patients, however in some athletes it may be seen early.
Your shoulder specialist will diagnose it based on your history, clinical examination and some necessary radiological investigations.
Treatment for AC Joint arthritis includes a course of rest, ice, physiotherapy, injections into the AC Joint and pain relieving medications. If all else fail and the patient continues to have pain, it is best to undergo an arthroscopy or open operative procedure to remove the lateral 5mm of the collar bone. This procedure has got excellent results in terms of pain relief and improvement in function.