The most common mechanism of injury to the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments is a direct force applied to the superior aspect of the acromion, usually from a fall with the arm in an adducted position.
What are the 3 major ligaments of the acromioclavicular joint?
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint
| Type | Synovial plane joint; multiaxial |
|---|---|
| Ligaments | Intrinsic: Superior acromioclavicular ligament, inferior acromioclavicular ligament Extrinsic: Coracoclavicular ligament (with conoid and trapezoid parts) |
| Innervation | Lateral pectoral nerve, suprascapular nerve |
What is distal clavicle?
During the procedure, the end of the clavicle closest to the acromion in the shoulder is removed to allow pain-free movement of the joint. A distal clavicle excision is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which often develops because of a fall or other type of trauma.
Where is distal clavicle?
It is located between your sternum (rib cage) and scapula (shoulder blade). Your clavicle also connects your arms to your body.
What are the signs and symptoms of an acromioclavicular joint injury?
Symptoms of an AC joint injury
- Shoulder or arm pain.
- A visible bump, bruise, or swelling on your shoulder.
- Limited shoulder mobility.
- Weakness in your shoulder or arm.
- Pain when lying on the affected side.
- A popping sound when you move your shoulder.
What does the acromioclavicular ligament do?
The acromioclavicular ligament serves to reinforce the joint capsule and serves as the primary restraint to posterior translation and posterior axial rotation at the AC joint.
What is the ACJ ligament?
The acromio-clavicular joint (ACJ) is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Injuries here are most commonly caused by a fall onto or direct blow to the shoulder. The force causes an injury to the ligaments that surround and stabilise the ACJ.
What is the trapezoid ligament?
The trapezoid ligament is a broad quadrilateral ligament that is quite thin. The trapezoid ligament arises from the upper surface of the coracoid process. It attaches to the trapezoid line (or ridge) on the inferior surface of the clavicle. The anterior border of the trapezoid ligament is free.
How long does distal clavicular osteolysis take to heal?
Recovery usually takes around three months, although some can return to activity faster with a structured course of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
How do you treat a distal clavicle fracture?
Conservative treatment of distal clavicle fractures includes immobilization with an arm sling or a figure-of-eight bandage. Recently, arm slings have become more commonly used because of patient comfort.
What is the acromioclavicular ligament?
This ligament is a quadrilateral band, covering the superior part of the articulation, and extending between the upper part of the lateral end of the clavicle and the adjoining part of the upper surface of the acromion.
What is a Grade 1 AC joint sprain?
Grade 1—Involves stretching/spraining of the joint covering (capsule), with no damage to ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). There may be swelling over the joint but the bump is not permanent. Pain typically lasts for 2-4 weeks, but can be easily reaggravated.
