[In Process Citation]
The anatomy and biomechanics of the acromioclavicular||| (AC) joint have been understood for a long time; however, the importance of||| this joint in the clinical setting is often underestimated. During clinical||| examination various sensitive functional tests can document any AC pathology.||| For X-ray documentation special techniques are necessary. Other imaging||| techniques are rarely indicated. The Rockwood classification for AC joint||| separation has increased our understanding of the pathology, which, in turn,||| leads to a better understanding of conservative and surgical therapy. Within||| the last few decades surgical treatment has shifted from AC to coracoclavicular||| stabilization. In patients with clinically relevant degenerative joint disease,||| resection of the lateral clavicle has proved to be a reproducible procedure.||| This operation can be performed using the conventional, open technique or with||| a minimally invasive procedure (arthroscopic resection of the AC joint; ARAC).||| In unstable joints, resection should be combined with a stabilization||| procedure.
Jerosch
J
Klinik fur Orthopadie und Orthopadischer Chirurgie,|| Johanna-Etienne-Krankenhaus, Am Hasenberg 46, 41462 Neuss.|| jerosch@uni-muenster.de