Osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular jointdevelops, as a rule, due to the processes of natural aging. Another quite popular cause is articular injuries sustained throughout life. For example, it can be a dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. Pathology has a degenerative, dystrophic, inflammatory character. In the early stages of the disease, the acromioclavicular joint quickly recovers. In later stages, it will take more time and effort to heal.
Articulation
Acromioclavicular joint is part ofshoulder. Like the others, this joint includes the ligament apparatus and the capsule. The acromion is a process that extends from the scapula and connects to the clavicle. The articulation on top covers the cartilage tissue at the edges of the bones. There are a number of features that distinguish the acromioclavicular joint. Movement in it compared to, for example, hip or elbow, have a smaller amplitude. So, in order to use it, you need to swing your arms strongly. When hyaline cartilage is deformed, friction is not leveled, which provokes severe pain. They are a sign of osteoarthritis. Thinning of the cartilaginous layer also leads to a decrease in the depreciation function, which in the normal state ensures the mitigation of the shoulder load.
Causes of joint damage
The main cause of the development of arthrosis as it wasit is said above, it is considered the process of natural wear of the joint. The state of articulation is also negatively affected by heavy exercise. For example, movers, blacksmiths, workers with a jackhammer, miners are often diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. Large and frequent overloads lead to the identification of pathology at a relatively young age. Another, equally important reason for the development of arthrosis is trauma. It is necessary to know that no damage passes without a trace. All injuries affect the condition of the joints, accelerating their destruction. In this regard, experts strongly recommend to treat with all the attention to sprains, fractures and other injuries. Prerequisites for normal recovery are adherence to the post-traumatic mode, the 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 the movements of the shoulder.
- Fast fatiguability.
The fact that the initial stage of arthrosis is notaccompanied by severe symptoms, leading to a later visit to the doctor. Experts recommend not to delay a visit to the clinic. It is not worth waiting for the moment when the acromioclavicular joint will be severely damaged and its restoration will require radical measures.
Stages of the disease
Arthrosis of the joints at the initial stageaccompanied by minor pain in the process of pressing on the area of the clavicle, as well as during the movement of the shoulders and arms. In some cases, the pain may spread to the cervical region. In the second stage, arthrosis is accompanied by more pronounced symptoms. In particular, the intensity of the pain increases markedly, difficulties arise in the process of dressing, placing the hands behind the head, back and crossing them on the chest. In the event that the trauma acts as the main provoking factor, when making a movement with a shoulder complex, a click or a characteristic crunch can be heard.
Diagnostics
The timeliness of detection of arthrosis dependssuccess of subsequent therapeutic interventions. During the examination, the doctor will not only conduct a visual examination of the problem area. From a conversation with a patient, a specialist ascertains whether there were any damage to this zone earlier, how long the patient noticed signs of pathology, which exercises are easy, and which ones are difficult to perform with his hands. It is also important to determine the site of localization of pain.
In some cases, to clarify the diagnosisa blockade is needed. It consists in the introduction of a small amount of lidocaine or another anesthetic into the articular cavity. In the presence of an inflammatory process after the blockade, the cessation of pain is noted. To get a more complete picture of the pathology, a specialist usually prescribes an x-ray examination. It allows you to more accurately determine the degree of damage to the joint. According to the results of research, appropriate measures are assigned, allowing to restore the acromioclavicular joint.
Treatment
Терапевтические мероприятия назначаются в according to the degree of damage to the articulation. Depending on the neglect of the case, the treatment may be aggressive or mild. At the first stage, as a rule, the restoration of the work of the articulation takes place without the use of NSAIDs, corticosteroids and other means used to suppress pain syndrome and inflammation. Regardless of the severity of the pathology, it is recommended to undergo a course of chondroprotectors. These drugs slowly but very effectively restore articular cartilage.
In more advanced cases, doctors resort tothe use of aggressive therapies. In particular, steroid drugs, glucocorticoids (Diprospan and Kenalog drugs) are prescribed to reduce pain. These medicines also help to eliminate puffiness. With moderate symptoms, taking NSAIDs and injections is recommended. Such drugs as Voltaren, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ksefokam are prescribed.
