Shoulder joint

synonym

Acromioclavicular joint, articulatio acromioclaviculare, AC joint

definition

The shoulder joint is one of a total of five joints in the shoulder area; it is primarily used for stabilization.

anatomy

The AC joint is the joint between

  • the outer part of the Collarbone (Clavicle) and
  • one Bony prominence at the upper part of the Shoulder blade, the so-called Shoulder roof (Acromion).

Usually there is a small one Washer, a discus, between these two, it consists of Fiber cartilage and is intended to prevent stress-related abrasion of the two ends of the bones. This discus is subject to a more or less natural one degeneration, so that with age in the X-ray often one

  • narrowed joint space by one
  • almost completely "used up" discus can be seen.

Figure shoulder

Figure shoulder joint
  1. Humerus head - Caput humeri
  2. Shoulder joint socket -
    Glenoid cavity
  3. Shoulder blade - Scapula
  4. Collarbone - Clavicle
  5. Shoulder corner - Acromion
  6. Shoulder corner-collarbone-
    Joint -
    Articulatio acromioclavicularis
  7. Deltoid - Deltoid muscle
  8. Raven beak process -
    Coracoid process
  9. Raven beak extension shoulder corner
    Tape -
    Coracoacromiale ligament
  10. Joint cavity -
    C.avitas articularis
  11. Fiber cartilage ring -
    Glenoid labrum
  12. Biceps, long head -
    M. biceps brachii
  13. Bursa -
    Subacromial bursa
  14. Upper arm shaft -
    Corpus humeri

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

However, this often results in the affected person no complaints. The AC joint is a flat jointSo there is no joint cavity that encloses the joint head and thus secures it. Therefore, the joint must be secured by strong ligaments, which leads to a rather limited range of motion.

Three ligaments keep the joint together.

  • The Acromioclavicular ligament pulls from the shoulder roof to the lateral collarbone.
  • The Coracoacromial ligament draws from an extraction of the Shoulder bladewhich looks like a raven's beak and is therefore called a Coracoid process is referred to, to the shoulder roof.
  • The Coracoclavicular ligament pulls from Coracoid process to the Collarbone, it starts further inside than that Acromioclavicular ligament.
  • The Ligament coracoclaviculare consists of two parts, the Trapezoidal ligament, which is further outside (lateral) runs and the Conoid ligament.

function

The AC joint is part of the movement of the Shoulder joint involved, but has no autonomous function here. A malfunction of the Joint thus does not fall through a loss of mobility, but rather through a instability the shoulder on.

Clinical pictures

The AC joint is considered one of the most common Joints of the human body from one arthrosis, so one Signs of wear and tear, concerned. This can mainly be explained by the fact that it is constantly getting stronger mechanical stress exposed to which the narrow discus, which separates the two joint surfaces from one another, often cannot withstand lifelong.

  • See also: Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint

Also often comes one Demolition of the shoulder joint in front. Usually after one Fall, typically when a bicycle falls over the handlebars. Here one or more of the ligaments involved in the formation of the joint tear. Depending on which ligaments are injured and to what extent, there is a division of the AC joint dislocation into Grade I-III according to Tossy.

  • See also: Ankle joint dislocation

Typical of such an injury is stepping on the outside Collarbone-Proportion. The most pronounced variant is called "Piano key phenomenon“Because you can press down the outer end of the clavicle like a piano key. Injuries of this type are often not treated surgically, but conservative by means of a

  • Association and
  • physical therapy treated.

Appointment with a shoulder specialist

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is Carmen Heinz. I am a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery in the specialist team of .

The shoulder joint is one of the most complicated joints in the human body.

Therefore, the treatment of the shoulder (rotator cuff, impingement syndrome, calcified shoulder (tendinosis calcarea, biceps tendon, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of shoulder diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of any therapy is treatment with full recovery without surgery.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

  • Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
You can find more information about myself at Carmen Heinz.