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Management of the Acromioclavicular Joint Problems

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Sports Injuries

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Abstract

Because of the high incidence of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries, orthopedists, sports medicine doctors, emergency physicians, and physical therapists should be aware of the management of these injuries. The ACJ is composed of the distal end of the clavicle and the acromion. Its function is to anchor the clavicle to the scapula and to the shoulder girdle. The subcutaneous location of this joint makes it vulnerable to injury. It is approximately 9% of all the shoulder injuries. The majority of the injuries occur in men with a male to female ratio of approximately 5:1, and patients in their 20s are the most affected age group. The ACJ pathology is generally caused by trauma, ACJ arthrosis, and distal clavicle osteolysis. Generally traumatic type I and II injuries are treated nonoperatively, and most patients return to their preinjury level of function. Type III injuries may be treated either nonoperatively or operatively. High-grade injuries (types IV–VI) are treated surgically.

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  1. Orthopedic Department, Vehbi Koç Vakfi American Hospital, Güzelbahçe Sok. No:20 Ni?anta??, 34365, Istanbul, Turkey

    Onur Tetik

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  1. Fac. Medicine, Dept. Orthopedics & Traumatology, Hacettepe University, Hasyrcylar Caddesi, Ankara, 94110, Turkey

    Mahmut Nedim Doral

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Tetik, O. (2012). Management of the Acromioclavicular Joint Problems. In: Doral, M. (eds) Sports Injuries. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-15630-4_23

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