Acromioclavicular-joint

The anatomy and biomechanics of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint have been understood for a long time; however,the importance of this joint in the cli nical setting is often underestimated. During clinical examination various sensitive functional tests can document any AC pathology. For X-ray documen tation special techniques are necessary. Other imaging techniques are rarel y indicated. The Rockwood classification for AC joint separation has increased our under standing of the pathology, which, in turn,leads to a better understanding o f conservative and surgical therapy. Within the last few decades surgical t reatment has shifted from AC to coracoclavicular stabilization. In patients with clinically relevant degenerative joint disease, resection of the late ral clavicle has proved to be a reproducible procedure. This operation can be performed using the conventional, open technique or w ith a minimally invasive procedure (arthroscopic resection of the AC joint; ARAC). In unstable joints, resection should be combined with a stabilizati on procedure.