Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries Overhead Athletes

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury is encountered commonly in the general population, accounting for up to 9% of all shoulder injuries, but it can be seen with a significantly higher prevalence in athletes. In particular, the thrower׳s shoulder experiences significant rotational forces at the AC joint, meriting special focus when formulating treatment of AC joint pathology to preserve effective overhead mechanics. AC joint pathology observed frequently in an athletic population includes traumatic AC joint instability, distal clavicular fracture, and distal clavicular osteolysis. Appropriate treatment requires knowledge of AC joint anatomy and biomechanics, relevant pathophysiology, and both operative and nonoperative options.