Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Medication

  • Author: L. Edward Seade, MD; Chief Editor: Craig C Young, MD   more...
 
Updated: Dec 5, 2011
 

Medication Summary

The initial treatment of degenerative arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint may include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), along with occasional corticosteroid injections.

Next

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Class Summary

NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. The mechanism of action of these agents is not known, but they may inhibit cyclooxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may exist as well; these may include inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell-membrane functions.

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Ibuprin, Advil)

 

DOC for patients with mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.

Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Actron, Orudis)

 

For relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Small dosages are initially indicated in small and elderly patients and in those with renal or liver disease.

Doses exceeding 75 mg do not increase the therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution, and closely observe patient for response.

Naproxen (Naprelan, Anaprox, Naprosyn)

 

For relief of mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclooxygenase, which results in a decrease of prostaglandin synthesis.

Indomethacin (Indocin, Indochron ER)

 

Rapidly absorbed. Metabolism occurs in the liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.

Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam)

 

Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which in turn decreases the formation of prostaglandin precursors.

Sulindac (Clinoril)

 

Decreases the activity of cyclooxygenase and in turn inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Results in a decreased formation of inflammatory mediators.

Previous
Next

Corticosteroids

Class Summary

Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. These agents modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

Hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef, Hydrocortone phosphate)

 

Decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.

Triamcinolone (Aristospan Intra-Articular, Aristocort Forte, Kenaject-40)

 

For inflammatory dermatosis responsive to steroids. Decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability.

Previous
Proceed to Follow-up
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

L. Edward Seade, MD  Chief of Shoulder Service, Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Reed L Bartz, MD  Consulting Staff, Division of Sports Medicine, Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine PC

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert Josey, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin

Robert Josey, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

David T Bernhardt, MD  Director of Adolescent and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics/Ortho and Rehab, Division of Sports Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

David T Bernhardt, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Russell D White, MD  Professor of Medicine, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Director of Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, Medical Director, Sports Medicine Center, Head Team Physician, University of Missouri-Kansas City Intercollegiate Athletic Program, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center-Lakewood

Russell D White, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Sports Medicine, American Diabetes Association, and American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jon B Whitehurst, MD  Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital

Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Craig C Young, MD  Professor, Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Community and Family Medicine, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Director of Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin

Craig C Young, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References
  1. Rockwood CA, Green DP, eds. Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint. Fractures in Adults. Philadelphia, Pa: JB Lippincott; 1984:860-91.

  2. Hudson VJ. Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of shoulder injuries in athletes. Clin Sports Med. Jan 2010;29(1):19-32, table of contents. [Medline].

  3. Macdonald PB, Lapointe P. Acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint injuries. Orthop Clin North Am. Oct 2008;39(4):535-45. [Medline].

  4. Shaffer BS. Painful conditions of the acromioclavicular joint. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. May-Jun 1999;7(3):176-88. [Medline].

  5. Nemec U, Oberleitner G, Nemec SF, Gruber M, Weber M, Czerny C, et al. MRI versus radiography of acromioclavicular joint dislocation. AJR Am J Roentgenol. Oct 2011;197(4):968-73. [Medline].

  6. Lizaur A, Sanz-Reig J, Gonzalez-Parreño S. Long-term results of the surgical treatment of type III acromioclavicular dislocations: an update of a previous report. J Bone Joint Surg Br. Aug 2011;93(8):1088-92. [Medline].

  7. DeBerardino TM, Pensak MJ, Ferreira J, Mazzocca AD. Arthroscopic stabilization of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using the AC graftrope system. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Mar 2010;19(2 Suppl):47-52. [Medline].

  8. Slawski DP, Cahill BR. Atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle. Results of open surgical excision. Am J Sports Med. Mar-Apr 1994;22(2):267-71. [Medline].

  9. Cahill BR. Osteolysis of the distal part of the clavicle in male athletes. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Sep 1982;64(7):1053-8. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  10. Flatow EL, Duralde XA, Nicholson GP, Pollock RG, Bigliani LU. Arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle with a superior approach. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. Jan-Feb 1995;4(1 pt 1):41-50. [Medline].

  11. Allman FL Jr. Fractures and ligamentous injuries of the clavicle and its articulation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Jun 1967;49(4):774-84. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  12. Fukuda K, Craig EV, An KN, Cofield RH, Chao EY. Biomechanical study of the ligamentous system of the acromioclavicular joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Mar 1986;68(3):434-40. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  13. Le Corroller T, Cohen M, Aswad R, Pauly V, Champsaur P. Sonography of the painful shoulder: role of the operator's experience. Skeletal Radiol. Nov 2008;37(11):979-86. [Medline].

  14. Lee SJ, Keefer EP, McHugh MP, Kremenic IJ, et al. Cyclical loading of coracoclavicular ligament reconstructions: a comparative biomechanical study. Am J Sports Med. Oct 2008;36(10):1990-7. [Medline].

  15. Murphy OB, Bellamy R, Wheeler W, Brower TD. Post-traumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1975;109:108-14. [Medline].

  16. Rolf O, Hann von Weyhern A, et al. Acromioclavicular dislocation Rockwood III-V: results of early versus delayed surgical treatment. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. Oct 2008;128(10):1153-7. [Medline].

  17. Seade LE. Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft for AC joint separations, 2-5 year follow-up. Presented at: Annual Meeting of Texas Orthopaedic Association; May 14, 2004; Austin, Texas.

  18. Seade LE. Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus allograft for AC joint separations, 2-5 year follow-up. Presented at: Western Orthopaedic Association; October 13, 2006; Santa Fe, New Mexico.

  19. Urist MR. Complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint: the nature of the traumatic lesion and effective methods of treatment with analysis of 41 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1946;28A:813-37. [Full Text].

  20. Zanca P. Shoulder pain: involvement of the acromioclavicular joint. (Analysis of 1,000 cases). Am J Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med. Jul 1971;112(3):493-506. [Medline].

Previous
Next
 
Classification of acromioclavicular joint injuries.
Type III acromioclavicular joint separation.
Type III acromioclavicular joint separation.
Postoperative coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. The clavicle is back to its normal position. The anchor in the clavicle keeps the allograft tendon from coming off of the clavicle. Also note the distal clavicle has been excised, because it had traumatic arthritis from the injury.
Postoperative rehabilitation.
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.