AC joint injury and arthritis treatment in Dubai

Where in Dubai

Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with AC joint injuries and arthritis at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Tell the nurse whether the pain began with a fall or came on slowly. If you were seen at an emergency department after the fall, bring the X-rays and the discharge note.

What is AC joint injury and arthritis?

The AC (acromioclavicular) joint sits on top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. Two problems are common here. The first is an injury, often from a fall straight onto the shoulder, that sprains or tears the ligaments holding the joint together. This is called a shoulder separation, and a bad one leaves a bump on top of the shoulder. The second is arthritis, usually from wear in people over 50, which causes pain on top of the shoulder. Many people have wear in the AC joint on an X-ray without any pain. Most AC joint problems are treated without surgery, and most people get back to normal use even if a bump remains.

Common signs

• Pain on top of the shoulder after a fall onto it, in sport, on a bike or at work.
• A new bump on top of the shoulder after an injury.
• Pain focused on the top of the shoulder that has built up slowly over time.
• Pain over the AC joint that is still there months after an injury.

How Dr. Subhash approaches it

Treatment of AC joint problems is on Dr. Subhash's own list of his shoulder work. He finds exactly where the pain is, checks for a bump, and uses X-rays to grade an injury or show arthritis. Most people are treated with a sling, cold packs, painkillers and exercises. If pain lasts or the joint is badly out of place, he explains the surgical options, such as trimming the end of the collarbone or rebuilding the torn ligaments.

What to expect

1. 01

   Consultation

   He asks whether the pain began with a fall or came on slowly, and what your work and sport involve.

2. 02

   Examination and X-rays

   He checks for tenderness and a bump. X-rays show how far the joint is out of place, or signs of arthritis. Sometimes an X-ray is taken while you hold a weight.

3. 03

   Simple care first

   A sling for comfort, cold packs wrapped in a towel, and painkillers while the pain settles.

4. 04

   Exercises

   Exercises restore movement, strength and flexibility, with or without surgery.

5. 05

   Surgery if needed

   For lasting pain, a small piece of the end of the collarbone can be removed. He explains which operation, if any, suits you.

6. 06

   Review

   He checks your progress and changes the plan if the pain is not settling.

Getting better

Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.

• Most people get back to normal use without surgery, even with a lasting bump.
• It is often worth waiting to see how well the shoulder works before deciding on surgery.
• If a plate is used to hold the joint during surgery, it is usually removed once the shoulder has healed.
• Whether or not you have surgery, exercises are needed to rebuild movement and strength.

When to book a visit

Where to book