A Sports Medicine Clinician's Guide to the Diagnosis and Management of Distal Clavicular Osteolysis.

ABSTRACT: Weightlifting associated shoulder injuries have seen a dramatic rise in the last 20 years. Distal clavicular osteolysis, coined weightlifter's shoulder, is one such condition caused by repetitive microtrauma to the distal clavicle with subsequent, painful development of bony erosions and resorption of the distal clavicle. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this condition can be challenging. In this article, we highlight evidence-based clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of distal clavicular osteolysis, including specific considerations for atraumatic and posttraumatic etiologies, to help clinicians better care for their patients. Activity modification and rehabilitation are the mainstays of the initial treatment. Adjuvant treatments, such as injections or surgery, may be required in refractory cases or in certain patient populations. Early recognition and treatment of weightlifter's shoulder is essential to prevent progression to acromioclavicular joint pathology or instability and to allow for continued participation in sport-specific activities.

Acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint dislocations indicate severe concomitant thoracic and upper extremity injuries in severely injured patients.

Preliminary studies show that clavicle fractures (CF) are known as an indicator in the severely injured for overall injury severity that are associated with relevant concomitant injuries in the thorax and upper extremity. In this regard, little data is available for the rarer injuries of the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints (SCJ and ACJ, respectively). Our study will answer whether clavicular joint injuries (CJI), by analogy, have a similar relevance for the severely injured. We performed an analysis from the TraumaRegister DGU (TR-DGU). The inclusion criterion was an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of at least 16. In the TR-DGU, the CJI were registered as one entity. The CJI group was compared with the CF and control groups (those without any clavicular injuries). Concomitant injuries were distinguished using the Abbreviated Injury Scale according to their severity. The inclusion criteria were met by n = 114,595 patients. In the case of CJI, n = 1228 patients (1.1%) were found to be less severely injured than the controls in terms of overall injury severity. Compared to the CF group (n = 12,030; 10.5%) with higher ISS than the controls, CJI cannot be assumed as an indicator for a more severe trauma; however, CF can. Concomitant injuries were more common for severe thoracic and moderate upper extremity injuries than other body parts for CJI. This finding confirms our hypothesis that CJI could be an indicator of further specific severe concomitant injuries. Despite the rather lower relevance of the CJI in the cohort of severely injured with regard to the overall injury severity, these injuries have their importance in relation to the indicator effect for thoracic concomitant injuries and concomitant injuries of the upper extremity. A limitation is the collective registration of SCJ and ACJ injuries as one entity in the TR-DGU. A distorted picture of the CJI in favor of ACJ injuries could arise from the significantly higher incidence of the ACJ dislocation compared to the SCJ. Therefore, these two injury entities should be recorded separately in the future, and prospective studies should be carried out in order to derive a standardized treatment strategy for the care of severely injured with the respective CJI.

Fractured coracoid process with acromioclavicular joint dislocation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Coracoid processes (CPs) fracture with acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation are extremely rare. This combined injury has brought many challenges to surgeons, and the mechanism underlying the injury is still not fully understood. There is no clear consensus on its treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: Here, we describe a CP fracture with AC joint dislocation in a middle-aged manual worker. DIAGNOSIS: Radiographs showed a fracture of the base of the CP and a third-degree AC joint separation. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation of the AC joint by LCP clavicle hook plate, and the CP was fixed with a 3.5 mm diameter cannulated screw. OUTCOMES: Three months after the operation, shoulder function was completely restored, and the affected shoulder had full mobility with no tenderness. Plain film radiography showed anatomical indications of the healing of these combined injuries. LESSONS: Although AC joint dislocation with CP fractures is extremely rare in adults, it is important to remind and remember that this possibility exists. In unclear cases, special radiographic films and CT are necessary. Surgical treatment of AC joint dislocation with CP fractures can provide solid stability and restore normal shoulder function with an excellent prognosis.

A type VI acromioclavicular joint injury: subcoracoid dislocation in a patient with polytrauma.

The Rockwood type VI acromioclavicular joint injury describes subcoracoid dislocation of the distal end of the clavicle. This injury pattern is exceedingly rare, with only 12 cases described in the literature. Diagnosis can be challenging; it is often the result of a high-energy mechanism and patients frequently have other severe distracting injuries. We report the case of a 23-year-old man who presented to our department after falling from a fifth-floor balcony. Alongside multiple intra-abdominal and musculoskeletal injuries, the patient sustained a type VI acromioclavicular joint dislocation. This injury was not picked up on the initial clinical assessment or described in the initial radiology report, with the diagnosis only made upon subsequent repeat review of the imaging by the admitting team. Fortunately, this delay did not increase the time to the patient receiving appropriate treatment. Despite its rarity, awareness of this injury pattern and its association with polytrauma is essential to reduce the risk of the diagnosis being overlooked in the acute setting.

Imaging of the Acromioclavicular Joint: Anatomy, Function, Pathologic Features, and Treatment.

The acromioclavicular joint is an important component of the shoulder girdle; it links the axial skeleton with the upper limb. This joint, a planar diarthrodial articulation between the clavicle and the acromion, contains a meniscus-like fibrous disk that is prone to degeneration. The acromioclavicular capsule and ligaments stabilize the joint in the horizontal direction, while the coracoclavicular ligament complex provides vertical stability. Dynamic stability is afforded by the deltoid and trapezius muscles during clavicular and scapular motion. The acromioclavicular joint is susceptible to a broad spectrum of pathologic entities, traumatic and degenerative disorders being the most common. Acromioclavicular joint injury typically affects young adult males and can be categorized by using the Rockwood classification system as one of six types on the basis of the direction and degree of osseous displacement seen on conventional radiographs. MRI enables the radiologist to more accurately assess the regional soft-tissue structures in the setting of high-grade acromioclavicular separation, helping to guide the surgeon's selection of the appropriate management. Involvement of the acromioclavicular joint and its stabilizing ligaments is also important for understanding and classifying distal clavicle fractures. Other pathologic processes encountered at this joint include degenerative disorders; overuse syndromes; and, less commonly, inflammatory arthritides, infection, metabolic disorders, and developmental malformations. Treatment options for acromioclavicular dysfunction include conservative measures, resection arthroplasty for recalcitrant symptoms, and surgical reconstruction techniques for stabilization after major trauma.

Acromioclavicular Joint: What to Look for.

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) pathology is a common source of shoulder girdle pain, frequently coexisting with and sharing overlapping clinical features of rotator cuff and glenohumeral articular lesions. ACJ trauma and osteoarthritis dominate clinical presentation; however, an array of pathologies can affect the joint. MR imaging of the ACJ is a powerful secondary diagnostic tool in early diagnosis of ACJ pathology and in accurate assessment of ACJ injuries, helping to resolve clinically challenging cases and allowing for individualized treatment planning. Knowledge of ACJ anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology is fundamental to interpreting and providing a clinically relevant ACJ MR imaging report.

Tuberculosis of acromioclavicular joint: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarticular tuberculosis is a great masquerader presenting in varied forms and in atypical locations, and it is prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Isolated acromioclavicular joint tuberculosis has been reported rarely. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old man presented with a chronic, mild pain, non-healing ulcer in right shoulder. Imaging of the shoulder revealed destruction of the acromioclavicular joint and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of acromioclavicular tuberculosis. The patient underwent debridement, synovectomy and drainage of the abscess and recovered well with antitubercular therapy postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of this uncommon presentation of osteoarticular tuberculosis may assist in earlier diagnosis. Especially, in endemic countries, osteoarticular tuberculosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in all atypical presentations to avoid residual problems.

Surgical Volume and Postoperative Complications of Acromioclavicular Joint Separations: Analysis of the ABOS Part II Examination.

BACKGROUND: High-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations are relatively rare injuries that are often treated surgically, yet more information is needed about the risks of various surgical procedures in terms of considering and counseling patients regarding operative versus nonoperative treatment. PURPOSE: To calculate whether the volume of surgical treatment of AC joint separations increased over a recent 12-year period; to examine the nature and frequency of complications, reoperations, and readmissions associated with these procedures; and to assess whether patient- and surgeon-specific factors or surgical technique affected these rates. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) database for orthopaedic surgeons taking the Part II examination was reviewed from 2005 to 2016 to identify surgical treatment of AC joint separations. The authors calculated the percentage of all surgical cases in the ABOS database and rates of complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Association of these sequelae with patient- and surgeon-specific factors and surgical techniques was assessed. RESULTS: There was no difference in the number or percentage of cases per year over the study period. There was an overall complication rate of 24.5%, a reoperation rate of 7.3%, and a readmission rate of 1.9%. Patients ≥40 years of age had significantly higher complication, reoperation, and readmission rates as compared with patients <40 years of age. There were significant differences in complication, reoperation, readmission, and displacement rates dependent on the type of surgical procedure performed. The highest complication rates were seen with open suspensory fixation, screw fixation, open reduction internal fixation, and arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament repair or reconstruction. The highest reoperation rates were seen with screw fixation, open reduction internal fixation, and open suspensory fixation. CONCLUSION: The volume of surgical treatment for AC joint separations did not change significantly over the study period. Complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were dependent on the type of surgical procedure performed and patient age. This information should assist surgeons in discussing risks when considering and counseling patients regarding operative versus nonoperative treatment.

Acromioclavicular joint cyst formation in a patient with rotator cuff-tear arthropathy: a rare cause of shoulder discomfort.

We report a case of a 77-year-old man who presented to our shoulder department with a soft tissue mass on his right acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Previously attempted puncture aspiration had revealed serous fluid retention which recurred after each of several drainage attempts. Conventional radiography and MRI of the affected shoulder joint demonstrated a progressed cuff-tear arthropathy with an irreparable tear of the supraspinatus tendon, static superior migration of the humeral head, opening of the AC joint capsule and a superior joint-fluid 'eruption' and accumulation called 'Geyser sign'. Given that the patient's cuff-tear arthropathy was very well compensated, arthroscopic rotator cuff debridement and open cyst excision were performed. Closure of the superior aspect of the AC joint capsule was performed by the aid of a collagen matrix with additional closure of the deltotrapezial fascia. One year postoperatively, no cyst recurrence was noted.

[74-year-old man with a complex acromio-clavicular disjunction]. / Luxation acromio-claviculaire complexe chez un patient de 74 ans.

Acromioclavicular dislocation is a frequent pathology commonly encountered in traumatology. Therefore, its management is generally standardized, guided by clinical and radiological evaluation. This can range from conservative treatment by limb immobilization and functional rehabilitation, to surgical treatment by using minimally invasive techniques. We present the particular case of a 74-year-old patient with an acromioclavicular dislocation associated with a non-displaced fracture of the coracoid process as well as of the spine of the scapula. This article aims to describe the diagnostic traps as well as discuss the treatment options for this complex presentation.

La luxation acromio-claviculaire est une pathologie fréquemment rencontrée lors de la pratique courante en traumatologie. Par conséquent, sa prise en charge est généralement standardisée, guidée par l'évaluation clinique et radiologique. Celle-ci peut aller du traitement conservateur par immobilisation du membre et rééducation fonctionnelle, au traitement chirurgical pouvant se faire désormais selon des techniques mini-invasives. Nous présentons le cas particulier d'un patient de 74 ans présentant une luxation acromio-claviculaire associée à une fracture non-déplacée du processus coracoïde ainsi que de l'épine de la scapula. Cet article a pour but de décrire les pièges diagnostiques, ainsi que de discuter des options thérapeutiques concernant cette présentation complexe.

Unusual case of lipoma arborescens in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.

A 38-year-old female presented with a 10-month history of right shoulder pain with impingement symptoms. She was diagnosed on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to have supraspinatus tendon tear and degenerative changes contributing to subacromial impingement. She also had lipoma arborescens of the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, an uncommon condition in a particularly rare location. Lipoma arborescens is a benign intra-articular condition characterized by lipomatous proliferation of synovium with replacement of subsynovial tissue by mature adipocytes. It is typically a monoarticular process affecting the knee. Due to the presence of pathognomonic fat, diagnosis is usually straightforward with MR as the preferred imaging modality.

A concise evidence-based physical examination for diagnosis of acromioclavicular joint pathology: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical examination of the shoulder joint is an undervalued diagnostic tool for evaluating acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology. Applying evidence-based clinical tests enables providers to make an accurate diagnosis and minimize costly imaging procedures and potential delays in care. The purpose of this study was to create a decision tree analysis enabling simple and accurate diagnosis of AC joint pathology. METHODS: A systematic review of the Medline, Ovid and Cochrane Review databases was performed to identify level one and two diagnostic studies evaluating clinical tests for AC joint pathology. Individual test characteristics were combined in series and in parallel to improve sensitivities and specificities. A secondary analysis utilized subjective pre-test probabilities to create a clinical decision tree algorithm with post-test probabilities. RESULTS: The optimal special test combination to screen and confirm AC joint pathology combined Paxinos sign and O'Brien's Test, with a specificity of 95.8% when performed in series; whereas, Paxinos sign and Hawkins-Kennedy Test demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.7% when performed in parallel. Paxinos sign and O'Brien's Test demonstrated the greatest positive likelihood ratio (2.71); whereas, Paxinos sign and Hawkins-Kennedy Test reported the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.35). CONCLUSION: No combination of special tests performed in series or in parallel creates more than a small impact on post-test probabilities to screen or confirm AC joint pathology. Paxinos sign and O'Brien's Test is the only special test combination that has a small and sometimes important impact when used both in series and in parallel. Physical examination testing is not beneficial for diagnosis of AC joint pathology when pretest probability is unequivocal. In these instances, it is of benefit to proceed with procedural tests to evaluate AC joint pathology. Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections are diagnostic and therapeutic. An ultrasound-guided AC joint corticosteroid injection may be an appropriate new standard for treatment and surgical decision-making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II - Systematic Review.

Actividades de vida afectadas en pacientes tras artroplastia total inversa de hombro en el contexto de artropatía de manguito rotador / Patient reported activities after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff arthropathy patients

Introducción y objetivos. La artroplastia total de hombro inversa en el contexto de la artropatía de manguito rotador mejora la anteversión y abducción existentes, no así las rotaciones. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la repercusión de este hecho en la realización de actividades más cotidianas. Material y métodos. Entre 2009 y 2011 se implantaron 210 artroplastias de hombro en nuestro centro. De ellas, 126 artroplastias totales de hombro inversas por artropatía de manguito rotador. El 88% eran mujeres, con una edad media en el momento de la cirugía de 81 años, encontrándose el 95% laboralmente retirados. El seguimiento medio fue de 53 meses. En cada paciente fue valorada la escala Constant, la escala visual analógica e índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, el balance articular así como la capacidad de realización de 40 actividades cotidianas, divididas según grado de demanda funcional para el hombro en un cuestionario nuevo adaptado a nuestro grupo poblacional. Resultados y discusión. El Constant medio normalizado por edad y sexo fue del 81,2%. EL valor medio de la escala visual analógica e índice de comorbilidad de Charlson medios de 3,56 y 1,69 respectivamente. Mejoría del balance articular en anteversión y abducción, no en rotaciones. Limitación para realizar actividades de baja y alta demanda funcional del 20 y 51% respectivamente, apreciándose mayor limitación en aquellas que implican rotación interna. Conclusión. La artropatía de manguito rotador en el paciente anciano tratada mediante artroplastia total de hombro inversa consigue un adecuado control analgésico y buenos resultados funcionales. Sin embargo, hay que asumir un importante riesgo de limitación en actividades cotidianas de alta demanda y que impliquen rotaciones, sobre todo interna (AU)

Introduction and objective. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff arthropathy patients, improves anteversion and abduction, but not rotational, outcomes. The main aim of this study is to determine its repercussions on daily life activities in our patients. Material and methods. Between 2009 and 2011 we implanted 210 shoulder arthroplasties, 126 of them were reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a rotator cuff arthropathy context. About 88% were women, with a mean age at time of surgery of 81 years, 95% were retired. The mean follow up was 53 months. The Constant scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Charlson Comorbidity Index, range of motion were measured for each patient and whether they could manage 40 daily life activities by means of a new questionnaire, classifying them according toshoulder functional demand. Results and discussion. Mean normalized by sex and age Constant value was 81.2%. Mean Visual Analogue Scale and Charlson Index were 3.56 and 1.69 respectively. Improvement in anteversion and abduction, not in rotational range of motion. Limitation was found in low and high functional demand activities in 20% and 51% respectively, especially those which involved internal rotation. Conclusion. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty treatment for RCA in the elderly, achieves adequate pain management and good functional outcomes. Nevertheless, an important risk of DLA limitation must be accepted in those which involve internal rotation or shoulder high functional demand (AU)

The anterior borders of the clavicle and the acromion are not always aligned in the intact acromioclavicular joint: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to find reliable anatomic landmarks of the normal acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) that could enable the precise evaluation of the horizontal displacement of the clavicle after dislocation. The hypothesis was that the anterior borders of the acromion and the clavicle are always aligned in intact ACJs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 cadaveric specimens, the anterior and posterior borders of the ACJ's articular facets and the most prominent anterior and posterior bony landmarks of the acromion and the clavicle were identified. The anterior and posterior overhang of the acromion and the clavicle was measured in relation to the borders of the articular facets. Therefore, the possible anterior and posterior alignment of the ACJ was evaluated. RESULTS: Anteriorly, only 18 ACJs (60%) were aligned whereas 7 (24%) had major overhang of the acromion and 3 (10%) had major overhang of the clavicle. Similarly, 18 cases (60%) were posteriorly aligned, whereas 6 (20%) had major clavicular overhang and 4 (14%) had major overhang of the acromion. In 78% of these cases, the ACJ was aligned as well anteriorly as posteriorly (P < .001). Finally, the larger the width of the acromion (P = .032) or the clavicle (P = .049), the better the posterior joint alignment. CONCLUSION: Our hypothesis was not verified. The acromion and clavicle are not perfectly aligned in a significant number of specimens with intact ACJs (40% of cases). The most reliable landmarks remain their articular facets.

A Case Report of an Acromioclavicular Joint Ganglion Associated with a Rotator Cuff Tear.

We report a case of subcutaneous ganglion adjacent to the acromioclavicular joint with massive rotator cuff tear [1-7]. An 81-year-old woman presented with a ganglion adjacent to the acromioclavicular joint that had first been identified 9 months earlier. The ganglion had recurred after having been aspirated by her local physician, so she was referred to our hospital. The puncture fluid was yellowish, clear and viscous. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a massive rotator cuff tear with multi- lobular cystic lesions continuous to the acromioclavicular joint, presenting the "geyser sign". During arthroscopy, distal clavicular resection and excision of the ganglion were performed together with joint debridement. At present, the ganglion has not recurred and the patient has returned to normal daily activity. In this case, the ganglion may have developed subsequent to the concomitant massive cuff tear, due to subcutaneous fluid flow through the damaged acromioclavicular joint.

Morphological analysis of acromion and hook plate for the fixation of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

PURPOSE: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common sports injury. Hook plate fixation is currently widely used to treat this injury, as it can promote the natural healing of the ligament with good clinical outcomes. However, subacromial erosion and impingement are frequently observed post-operatively. It was hypothesized that the morphology and the contact characteristics between the hook portion and the acromion are the main causes of complications after hook plate fixation with the currently available commercial designs. METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstructed models of the AC joint obtained from the computed tomographic scans of 23 male and 23 female patients (mean age, 61.1 ± 6.3 years) were evaluated, and multiple anatomical parameters were measured. For the subacromial positioning of the hook plate, an actual hook plate (Synthes Inc., West Chester, PA, USA) was scanned, and the contact between the hook plate and the acromion was estimated. RESULTS: The thicknesses of the acromion and distal clavicle were 9.7 ± 1.5 mm (10.7 mm in men; 8.6 mm in women) and 11.3 ± 1.6 mm (11.6 mm in men; 10.0 mm in women), respectively. The width of the acromion was 28.5 ± 3.6 mm. The mean inclination angle between the hook plate and the acromion was 29.3° ± 9.7° (27.9° in men; 30.6° in women). The hook plate made a point contact with the acromion at 9.2 ± 3.3 mm (31.5 %) from the lateral end of the acromion. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that the hook made a pinpoint contact with the undersurface of the acromion, and this might explain why complications commonly occur after hook plate fixation. The force concentration phenomenon associated with the hook plate of existing designs results from cases of morphological mismatch, such as excessive inclination and improper occupation of the subacromial space.

Ultrasound of the coracoclavicular ligaments in the acute phase of an acromioclavicular disjonction: Comparison of radiographic, ultrasound and MRI findings.

OBJECTIVES: Acromioclavicular joint injuries are typically diagnosed by clinical and radiographic assessment with the Rockwood classification, which is crucial for treatment planning. The purpose of this study was to describe how the ultrasound findings of acromioclavicular joint injury compare with radiography and MRI findings. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with suspected unilateral acromioclavicular joint injury after acute trauma were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent digital radiography, ultrasound and 3T MRI. A modified Rockwood classification was used to evaluate the coracoclavicular ligaments. The classifications of acromioclavicular joint injuries diagnosed with radiography, ultrasound and MRI were compared. MRI was used as the gold standard. RESULTS: The agreement between the ultrasound and MRI findings was very good, with a correlation coefficient of 0.83 (95 % CI: 0.72-0.90; p < 0.0001). Ultrasound detected coracoclavicular ligament injuries with a sensitivity of 88.9 %, specificity of 90.0 %, positive predictive value of 92.3 % and negative predictive value of 85.7 %. The agreement between the ultrasound and radiography findings was poor, with a correlation coefficient of 0.69 (95 % CI: 0.51-0.82; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is an effective examination for the diagnostic work-up of lesions of the coracoclavicular ligaments in the acute phase of an acromioclavicular injury. KEY POINTS: • Ultrasound is appropriate for acute acromioclavicular trauma due to its accessibility. • Ultrasound contributes to the diagnostic work-up of acute lesions of the coracoclavicular ligaments. • Ultrasound is appropriate in patients likely to benefit from surgical treatment. • Ultrasound could be a supplement to standard radiography in acute acromioclavicular trauma.