A distal clavicle excision is used to remove about one-half inch (5-10 mm) of your clavicle near your shoulder joint in order to relieve pain caused by arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. The goal of removing the distal clavicle is to alleviate discomfort from the arthritic surfaces rubbing together and to allow more fluid motion of the joint.

To perform this procedure arthroscopically, your surgeon makes three or four small incisions in the skin overlying the shoulder, through which cameras and specialized instruments are placed. A small portion of the distal end of the clavicle is removed with a burr.  The less-invasive arthroscopic procedure helps to protect the surrounding stabilizing ligaments and soft tissue structures that form the acromioclaviclular joint.

Following clavicle removal surgery, most patients  leave the hospital the day of the procedure.  A sling may be recommended for one to two weeks after surgery,  in addition to shoulder exercises to help regain full motion. 

To find out if you're a candidate for a shoulder distal clavicle excision, or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialty-trained shoulder surgeons at Western Orthopaedics, please call 303-321-1333.