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Acromioclavicular Joint Problems in Athletes: Part I – Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle

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Sports Injuries to the Shoulder and Elbow

Abstract

Osteolysis of the distal clavicle is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain that can occur after acute injury or repetitive microtrauma. Nontraumatic or microtraumatic osteolysis has been reported to be caused by repetitive stressful activity resulting in cumulative subchondral stress fractures followed by a subsequent hypervascular response. Acute traumatic osteolysis may also follow acute injury to the acromioclavicular joint, particularly intra-articular fractures and grade I or II acromioclavicular injuries. It is frequently overlooked as a cause of shoulder pain in both acute and chronic shoulder injuries, in patients without trauma, and, in rare cases, in patients with systemic disease. Hence this indolent entity may represent a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician.

A delayed diagnosis typically results in a permanently widened AC joint with varying degrees of mechanical dysfunction and pain in weight lifters, overhead athletes, and gymnasts. Prompt diagnosis of this entity is of utmost importance in determining the success of treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shoulder and Sports Trauma Center, Hallym University Hospital, Dongtan, Republic of Korea

    Yon-Sik Yoo MD, PhD

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  1. Yon-Sik Yoo MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Yon-Sik Yoo MD, PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. NEON Orthopaedic Clinic, Global Center for Shoulder, Elbow & Sports, Seoul, Korea, Republic of (South Korea)

    Jin-Young PARK

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Yoo, YS. (2015). Acromioclavicular Joint Problems in Athletes: Part I – Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle. In: PARK, JY. (eds) Sports Injuries to the Shoulder and Elbow. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41795-5_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41795-5_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-41794-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-41795-5

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