Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Arthritis

Specialist Shoulder Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis is a common cause of pain on the top of the shoulder, particularly with lifting, reaching across the body or sleeping on the affected side.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the assessment and treatment of AC joint arthritis and other causes of shoulder pain.

What is AC joint arthritis?

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the small joint at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the acromion (part of the shoulder blade).

Over time, the cartilage within this joint can wear down, leading to:

Inflammation
Pain
Bony enlargement or spurs

AC joint arthritis commonly develops:

As part of normal ageing
After previous injury to the AC joint
In people who perform repetitive lifting or overhead activities
In weightlifters or manual workers

Common symptoms

Symptoms of AC joint arthritis often include:

Pain on the top of the shoulder
Pain when reaching across the body (for example, fastening a seatbelt)
Discomfort when lifting the arm overhead
Pain when lying on the affected side
Local tenderness or a small bony lump over the joint

Symptoms may be activity-related and can fluctuate over time.

How is AC joint arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:

A detailed discussion of your symptoms
Examination of the shoulder, including specific tests for the AC joint
Imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI, where appropriate

It is important to confirm that the AC joint is the main source of pain, as symptoms can overlap with rotator cuff problems or subacromial impingement.

Is surgery always needed?

No. Many patients manage their symptoms successfully without surgery.

Non-surgical treatment may include:

Activity modification
Physiotherapy to optimise shoulder mechanics
Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication
Targeted corticosteroid injection into the AC joint

Injections can be particularly helpful both diagnostically and therapeutically.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered when:

Pain persists despite appropriate non-surgical treatment
Symptoms significantly interfere with daily activities, work or sport
The AC joint is confirmed as the primary source of pain

Surgery is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) and typically involves:

Removal of a small portion of the end of the collarbone (distal clavicle excision)
Treatment of any associated shoulder problems identified at the same time

This procedure aims to relieve pain while preserving shoulder movement and strength.

Why see a specialist shoulder surgeon?

AC joint arthritis can be difficult to distinguish from other shoulder conditions.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training specifically in shoulder surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

His practice is focused almost entirely on shoulder conditions, allowing:

Accurate diagnosis of the true source of pain
Avoidance of unnecessary or inappropriate surgery
Identification and treatment of associated shoulder pathology
Use of modern arthroscopic techniques

This specialist approach helps ensure treatment is tailored to the individual.

Local specialist shoulder care in Rochdale

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, providing specialist shoulder care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

Consultations and surgery take place at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to imaging, physiotherapy and comprehensive aftercare.

Arrange a consultation

If you are experiencing pain on the top of your shoulder that is affecting daily activities or sleep, a specialist assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options.

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