The acromioclavicular articulation is often affected with
secondary osteoarthritis owing to the injury in the anamnesis. osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular articulation can also occur within the framework of
generalized primary osteoarthritis, but in this case its origin and symptoms
are not painful. However we cannot forget that the osteoarthritis of the
acromioclavicular articulation can be a final consequence of an inflammatory
affection of this articulation, or that the primary osteoarthritis can be
covered by secondary synovitis. Therefore we think that this articulation cannot
be seen only through one diagnosis - osteoarthritis of the
acromioclavicular articulation determined on the basis of X-ray – as it is
nowadays. We think that patient’s problems in the case of
“symptomatic” osteoarthritis are caused by synovitis, and not by arthrosis,
therefore intra-articular steroid injections have a great effect. osteoarthritis
of the acromioclavicular articulation is a frequent cause of impigement syndrome, when the visible joint
lies heavy on the rotator cuff.
A pain and a local palpated
soresness in the area of the acromioclavicular joint which is often enlarged owing to the production of osteophytes. At the examination of movements
sound palpable phenomena rising out of this articulation can be called up.
Owing to the trauma of the
acromioclavicular articulation osteolysis of the clavicle can come into an
existence. Symptoms are coincident there as at other processes in the area of
the acromioclavicular articulation , i.e. a pain and a restriction of motility.
Diagnosis of osteolysis is the most suitable with help of X-ray.