Injuries of the acromioclavicular joint and current treatment options

The acromioclavicular joint is involved in four out of ten shoulder injuries. The joint is prone to injury due to its anatomy and relative lack of soft tissue cover. Sportsmen involved in contact sports are likely to suffer damage to the joint during their professional careers. Most subluxations of the joint can be treated nonoperatively whilst dislocations are generally treated operatively except in those individuals at significant risk of re-injury, for example, rugby players. This article looks at the anatomy and physiology of the acromioclavicular joint, injury classification and presents the current evidence regarding treatment options for these injuries.