Osteoarthritis - Shoulder

Question 1

What joint in the shoulder is usually affected by OA

Answer 1

Acromioclavicular joint

Question 2

What are the causes of AC joint OA

Answer 2

Injury
Repetitive overuse
Primary - rarely

Question 3

What are the clinical features of AC joint OA

Answer 3

Localised tenderness
Obvious prominence of the joint from osteophyte formation
Pain worse at night
Cross-adduction (scarf test) worsens pain

Question 4

What are some other differentials for localised tenderness at the ACJ

Answer 4

Bursitis
Tendonitis
Referred pain from cervical spondylosis
Pain from irritation of nerve roots referred from neck to shoulder

Question 5

How do you manage a patient with OA of the ACJ

Answer 5

Non-surgical:
Physiotherapy
Analgesia

Surgical:
Excision of the distal end of the clavicle - severe cases