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Distal clavicle excision is an operation that removes the out end of the clavicle (collarbone). It is used to treat painful acromioclavicular arthritis.
The operation is performed using an arthroscope (keyhole surgery) or by making a cut over the top of the shoulder. The worn end of the clavicle is removed, along with any other bone spurs that may be present. There are other problems that may be present in your shoulder at the same time, such as a rotator cuff tear or damage to the long head of biceps tendon. If these problems are contributing to your shoulder problem then other procedures such as subacromial decompression, rotator cuff repair or biceps tenodesis may be performed at the same time.
In general, you will go home the morning following your distal clavicle excision. You will be given a referral to a physiotherapist and will need to keep your arm in a sling. It is important to get your shoulder moving after surgery to reduce the chance of developing shoulder stiffness, but if other procedures have been performed there will still be some temporary restrictions in regards to how much you can do with your shoulder. This is to prevent damaging the repaired structures. Your physiotherapist will help you in getting this balance right.
For more information on distal clavicle excision, we recommend contacting our surgeons for an initial consultation.
