What type of surgery can repair AC Joint problems?

The simplest type of surgery for AC joint injury involves resection or removal of the end of the clavicle using arthroscopic (mini-surgical) techniques (called a Mumford procedure). If the joint becomes painful because of DCO (weightlifter's shoulder) or arthritis, or the separation is only minor, this technique can be very satisfactory. When the joint is severely displaced, then a more complex procedure is needed to restore the position of the clavicle. Usually this operation, called a Weaver-Dunn procedure, is done using a two-inch incision over the joint. The end of the clavicle is removed, and ligament is transferred from the underside of the acromion into the cut end of the clavicle to replace the ligaments torn during the dislocation. Soon an arthroscopic procedure should be available to restore the position of the joint, but at this point, only open surgery techniques are available.