Distal Clavicle Excision

Dr. Frank Cannon

Dr. Frank Cannon

Dr. Frank Cannon is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon that specializes in treating patients that have knee, shoulder, and hip problems.

What is Distal Clavicle Excision?

Distal clavicle excision is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on the shoulder to alleviate pain and restore range of motion. It is often used to treat arthritis and impingement, a condition that occurs when inflammation causes the connective tissue to rub on the shoulder blade. Distal clavicle excision is a highly effective surgical procedure that boasts success rates over 90%. It has helped countless people regain their former physical condition, allowing them to return to their favorite sports and activities.

Shoulder JointThis surgery alleviates pain affecting the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. Individuals who have recently suffered from a fall, car accident, or other form of trauma commonly experience this type of pain. The AC joint is located between the acromion and the clavicle. It feels like a small ridge just above the head of the humerus on the outermost portion of a personā€™s shoulder. Sometimes, the clavicle crowds the AC joint, which leads to pain and restricted range of motion. To ease these symptoms, an orthopedic surgeon can remove part of the clavicle to take pressure off the joint. Unlike conservative methods, distal clavicle excision is designed to restore full functionality to the shoulder, making it a popular treatment option for many people.

The procedure can be performed through a traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive option. The latter option, which utilizes a small, tube-like device known as an arthroscope to visualize the surgical site is generally the more well-received option for patients and surgeons alike. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery is safer and features faster recovery times ā€” largely due to the significantly smaller incisions used to complete the procedure.

If youā€™re tired of feeling pain in your shoulder every time you lift a heavy object above your head, consult an orthopedic surgeon to learn more about your treatment options. If you are a suitable candidate for distal clavicle excision, the health of your shoulder could improve in as little as one to two months following surgery, with a full recovery shortly thereafter.

Who is a Candidate?

Distal ClavicleIndividuals suffering from arthritis of the shoulder or impingement are the most common candidates for distal clavicle excision. Shoulder pain, a recurring ā€œpinchingā€ sensation in the shoulder, and limited range of motion are all tell-tale signs of a shoulder-related issue. While anyone can injure their shoulder, these conditions are most commonly found in older adults. Even those who have never experienced a significant shoulder injury can develop these symptoms. After all, small, undiagnosed injuries can compound over time, leading to arthritis or impingement.

Athletes are more susceptible to these injuries, too. Individuals who participate in sports, especially those that involve repetitive motions (i.e., swimming, golfing, baseball) are at a heightened risk of succumbing to degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. The reality is that all athletes live with the knowledge that they are putting their bodies on the line in the pursuit of greatness, so it is a relief that distal clavicle excision can be utilized to repair their injuries and restore them to full health. The last type of candidate are those who are being treated with conservative methods to no avail. For example, individuals who gain little relief from physical therapy or injections may need to seek a surgical option if they aim to make a full recovery.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Distal Clavicle SurgeryLike most arthroscopic procedures, a distal clavicle excision is performed in an outpatient setting under regional or general anesthesia. The patient is given anesthesia and is made comfortable, then the surgical area is sanitized to reduce the chance of infection. The procedure is performed in four steps.

  1. Several small incisions are made to give the surgeon access to the AC joint.
  2. An arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions. The surgeon maneuvers the device until they have a clear visual of the area being targeted.
  3. Additional arthroscopic instruments are inserted into the other incisions as needed to excise the portion of the clavicle causing discomfort. Once the end of the clavicle has been extracted, the joint will be freed up and pain will be reduced by a substantial amount.
  4. The incisions are staple or stitched shut and the wound is dressed.

The entire surgery takes roughly one hour to complete. Itā€™s completely painless, but soreness is common following surgery. Patients should follow their orthopedic surgeonā€™s instructions closely to make a speedy recovery.

What are the Risks?

Patients who undergo minimally invasive distal clavicle excision have a reduced risk of complications compared to those treated with open surgery. However, this isnā€™t meant to imply that the minimally invasive option is completely risk-free. The risks of distal clavicle excision include infection at the surgical site, shoulder joint tightness or tenderness, pain, scarring, reduced range of motion, and shoulder instability. Individuals who smoke cigarettes have an increased risk of complications. If you are concerned about the risks of distal clavicle excision, consult your medical provider to see if this surgery is a viable option for your specific needs.

How is the Recovery Process?

Once the procedure has been completed, the medical staff may choose to administer pain medications to prevent the patient from becoming uncomfortable as they regain feeling. An ice pack may be used to mitigate swelling as well. Post-treatment care is largely composed of physical therapy, medication, rest, and follow-ups with the patientā€™s medical provider. The orthopedic surgeon may recommend a physical therapist to help restore strength and mobility to the shoulder. This is an important component of the recovery process that shouldnā€™t be overshadowed. Gradually increasing the strength of the shoulder is integral to regain full functionality. Lifestyle modification will be necessary to make a full recovery, which means patients must refrain from driving or working until they get the green light from their medical provider. Last but not least, patients need to stay in contact with their medical provider throughout the recovery process and alert them to any signs of infection, inflammation, or numbness. Most patients make a full recovery in as little as two months.

Contact Us

If you are suffering with shoulder pain, make sure to contact Florida Surgery Consultants. We have the best surgeons in the business to help cure shoulder pain. We have seven convenient locations in Tampa, Gainesville, Lakeland, Ocala, and Bradenton. Come see us today!

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Dr. Frank Cannon

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