Arthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint develops, as a rule, due to the processes of natural aging. Another reason quite popular is considered joint injuries sustained throughout life. For example, it may be a dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. Pathology is distinguished by a degenerative, inflammatory, inflammatory nature. In the early stages of the disease, the acromioclavicular joint can be restored quite quickly. In the later stages, it will take more time and effort to heal.
Articulation
The acromioclavicular joint is part of the shoulder. Like others, this joint includes a ligamentous apparatus and a capsule. Acromion is a process that moves away from the scapula and connects to the clavicle. The articulation on top covers the cartilage tissue along the edges of the bones. There are a number of features that distinguish the acromioclavicular joint. The movements in it, compared, for example, with the hip or elbow, have a smaller amplitude. So, in order to use it, you need to swing your arms strongly. When the hyaline cartilage is deformed, the friction does not level, which provokes severe pain. They are a sign of arthrosis. Thinning of the cartilaginous layer also leads to a decrease in the depreciation function, which in the normal state provides softening of the shoulder load.
Causes of joint failure
The main reason for the development of arthrosis, as mentioned above, is the process of natural wear of the joint. Severe physical activity also negatively affects the articulation state. For example, loaders, blacksmiths, workers with a jackhammer, miners quite often are diagnosed with osteoarthrosis of the acromioclavicular joint. Large and frequent overloads lead to the detection of pathology at a relatively young age. Another, no less important reason for the development of arthrosis is injury. You need to know that not a single damage passes without a trace. All injuries affect the condition of the joints, accelerating their destruction. In this regard, experts strongly recommend that you pay attention to sprains, fractures and other injuries. Necessary conditions for normal recovery are compliance with post-traumatic conditions, correction of loads.
Clinical picture
A damaged acromioclavicular joint does not immediately make itself felt. Symptoms of the lesion are as follows:
- Shoulder pain.
- Crunching inside the joint.
- Stiffness in shoulder movements.
- Fast fatiguability.
The fact that the initial stage of arthrosis is not accompanied by severe symptoms leads to a later visit to a doctor. Experts recommend not delaying a visit to the clinic. You should not wait for the moment when the acromial-clavicular joint is badly damaged and its restoration will require radical measures.
Stages of the disease
Arthrosis of the joint at the initial stage is accompanied by minor pain during pressure on the clavicle, as well as during movement of the shoulders and arms. In some cases, pain can spread to the cervical region. In the second stage, arthrosis is accompanied by more severe symptoms. In particular, the intensity of pain increases markedly, there are difficulties in the process of dressing, putting hands behind the head, back and when crossing them on the chest. In the event that trauma acts as the main provoking factor, when a movement is made by the shoulder complex, a click or a characteristic crunch can be heard.
Diagnostics
The success of subsequent therapeutic measures depends on the timely detection of arthrosis. During the examination, the doctor will not only conduct a visual examination of the problem area. From a conversation with the patient, the specialist finds out whether there were injuries in this area earlier, how long the patient noticed signs of pathology, which exercises are easy and which are difficult to perform with your hands. It is also important to determine the site of localization of pain.
In some cases, a blockade is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. It consists in the introduction of a small volume of lidocaine or another anesthetic into the joint cavity. In the presence of an inflammatory process after blockade, the pain is stopped. To get a more complete picture of the pathology, the specialist usually prescribes an x-ray examination. It allows you to more accurately establish the degree of damage to the joint. According to the results of studies, appropriate measures are prescribed to restore the acromioclavicular joint.
Treatment
Therapeutic measures are prescribed in accordance with the degree of damage to the joint. Depending on the neglect of the case, treatment may be aggressive or mild. At the first stage, as a rule, restoration of the articulation occurs without the use of NSAIDs, corticosteroids and other drugs used to suppress pain and inflammation. Regardless of the severity of the pathology, it is recommended to take a course of chondroprotective agents. These drugs slowly but very effectively repair articular cartilage.
In more advanced cases, doctors resort to the use of aggressive methods of therapy. In particular, steroid drugs, glucocorticoids (Diprospan, Kenalog drugs) are prescribed to reduce the pain syndrome. These medications also help eliminate puffiness. For moderate symptoms, NSAIDs and injections are recommended. Such drugs as Voltaren, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ksefokam are prescribed.