Osteoarthritis of the AC joint is wear-and-tear degeneration of the cartilage where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, leading to bone-on-bone friction and the formation of small bone spurs.
Develops gradually from years of joint use, previous AC joint injury, repetitive overhead activity, or heavy weightlifting (particularly bench press and overhead pressing movements).
A dull, aching pain localized to the top of the shoulder, worsened by reaching across the body or overhead lifting. Tenderness directly over the joint and a grinding or clicking sensation are common.
First-line treatment is activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and occasionally a cortisone injection into the joint. When conservative care no longer controls symptoms, a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure to remove a small portion of the end of the collarbone (distal clavicle excision) reliably relieves pain.
Think you might have this condition? An accurate diagnosis starts with an exam — schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomson.
Schedule a ConsultThis page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every injury is different — always consult Dr. Thomson or another qualified physician for a personalized evaluation.