Abstract
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is commonly injured in athletes participating in
contact and overhead throwing sports. Injuries range from simple sprains to complete
ligamentous disruption, and they are classified by the established Rockwood grading
system. High-grade injuries are associated with fractures around the AC joint and
disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex, a ring of osseous and ligamentous
structures at the superior aspect of the shoulder. Radiographs are the mainstay of
imaging of the AC joint, with magnetic resonance imaging reserved for high-grade injuries
to aid classification and plan surgical management. Low-grade AC joint injuries tend
to be managed conservatively, but a wide range of surgical procedures have been described
for higher grade injuries and fractures around the AC joint. This review illustrates
the anatomy of the AC joint and surrounding structures, the imaging features of AC
joint injury, and the most commonly performed methods of reconstruction and their
complications.
Keywords
acromioclavicular joint - anatomy - imaging - magnetic resonance imaging - acromioclavicular
joint surgery
