Mr Tony Corner
Orthopaedic surgery

What you should know about acromioclavicular arthritis of the shoulder

Written in association with: Mr Tony Corner

Published: 18/08/2022

Edited by: Sophie Kennedy

Arthritis which affects the acromioclavicular joint is just one of several forms of the condition which can affect the shoulder. Renowned consultant orthopaedic surgeon of the shoulder Mr Tony Corner offers expert insight on how this form of arthritis develops and how it is treated in this informative article.

How does arthritis of the shoulder occur?

Cartilage within the shoulder allows the joint to move smoothly but when this protective surface becomes damaged, osteoarthritis can develop. This can cause pain, stiffness and creaking in the shoulder and occurs over time as the cartilage dries and cracks, leaving its surface rough and worn.

How is the shoulder affected by arthritis?

There are actually two joints within the shoulder that can become arthritic over time. The AC (acromioclavicular) joint is relatively small and is found between the clavicle (collar bone) and scapula (shoulder blade) at the top of the shoulder. The shoulder’s principal joint is the ball and socket - also known as the glenohumeral joint - and is made up of the ball at the top of the humerus (arm bone) and the glenoid, or socket, on the shoulder blade.

How is acromioclavicular arthritis of the shoulder treated?

Although patients don’t always experience symptoms, arthritis of the AC joint is relatively common and something we often see on X-rays of the shoulder. This form of arthritis is different from that affecting the main ball and socket joint, also known as the glenohumeral joint.

When arthritis of the AC joint causes problematic symptoms, steroid injections can be used to treat any pain or stiffness. There are also surgical forms of treatment including a procedure to remove the end of the collarbone, which can be performed arthroscopically (key-hole) as a daycase operation. Removing the end of the collarbone is beneficial in patients with this form of arthritis as the surfaces of the joint no longer rub together and cause pain.

If you are seeking treatment for acromioclavicular arthritis and wish to schedule a consultation with Mr Corner, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.

By Mr Tony Corner

Orthopaedic surgery in Hertfordshire

Mr Tony Corner is a highly professional orthopaedic shoulder surgeon dedicated to treating patients with problems of the shoulder, elbow and upper limbs at Spire Harpenden Hospital and Spire Bushey Hospital. His areas of expertise include shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder replacement, rotator cuff surgery, shoulder dislocation, shoulder sports injuries and frozen shoulder. His main surgical interest is in arthroscopic (keyhole) shoulder surgery for the treatment of impingement, rotator cuff tears, ...

By Mr Tony Corner
Orthopaedic surgery

Mr Tony Corner is a highly professional orthopaedic shoulder surgeon dedicated to treating patients with problems of the shoulder, elbow and upper limbs at Spire Harpenden Hospital and Spire Bushey Hospital. His areas of expertise include shoulder arthroscopy, shoulder replacement, rotator cuff surgery, shoulder dislocation, shoulder sports injuries and frozen shoulder. His main surgical interest is in arthroscopic (keyhole) shoulder surgery for the treatment of impingement, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability (dislocations), frozen shoulder and sports-related injuries. He also provides a full range of surgery for shoulder and elbow arthritis including joint resurfacing and total joint replacements. Mr Corner provides expert opinion to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan for disorders of the shoulder and elbow and aims to avoid surgery if possible, only operating on approximately 1 in 5 patients who seek his expertise.

Mr Corner qualified from St. Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College London and later underwent specialist orthopaedic training in London. He subsequently undertook an advanced training fellowship in complex upper limb reconstruction in the UK. In 2009 he was awarded the prestigious British Orthopaedic Association European Travelling Fellowship whereby he gained invaluable experience from four of the world’s leading shoulder surgeons in France, Italy and Switzerland.

Mr Corner commenced his consultant career as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon for West Herts NHS Trust at St Albans City Hospital, Hemel Hempstead Hospital and Watford General Hospital. He provides courses nationwide, teaching the techniques of arthroscopic shoulder reconstructive surgery to other orthopaedic consultants and higher trainees. He has published numerous research papers in orthopaedic surgery and his work has been presented at many national and international meetings. Mr Corner is a member of British Elbow and Shoulder Surgery and the British Orthopaedic Association. Mr Corner is an editorial reviewer for 'Shoulder & Elbow" journal, the official scientific journal of the British Elbow and Shoulder Society. Mr Corner is the Orthopaedic representative on the Medical Advisory Committee at Spire Harpenden Hospital.

Mr Corner liaises closely with therapists to ensure optimal success in treating all of his patients, which include patients of all ages and recreational levels including professional sports athletes.

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