RICHARD S. LEVY, M.D.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, SHOULDER SURGERY, TEXAS SPORTS MEDICINE
ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
DIPLOMATE, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
FELLOW, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
DESIGNATED DOCTOR, Texas Division of Workers' Compensation
ASSISTANT TEAM PHYSICIAN, Dallas Mavericks
SHOULDER SURGEON, SHOULDER SPECIALIST

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT ARTHRITIS
Another common condition with the shoulder is arthritis of the acromio-clavicular joint. The cartilage between the acromion (the bone on top of your shoulder) and the clavicle (collar bone) becomes damaged, causing the two bone ends to rub against each other and produce pain. The indications for surgery are persistent pain interfering with your activities of daily living, work and/or sports.

Based on current medical knowledge, if surgery is not performed, the problem will most likely continue. With time, the pain may increase in severity. The possibility also exists that the pressure on the tendon will cause rotator cuff damage, such as partial tearing or even a complete tear, in the tendon. Treatments other than surgery are available, including just living with the condition, physical therapy exercises, medication or injections.