Is Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Resection Necessary for Patients With Radiological Acromioclavicular Joint Arthritis and Rotator Cuff Tears?

Abstract

Preventive arthroscopic DCR in patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant asymptomatic radiological ACJ arthritis did not result in better clinical or structural outcomes, and it did lead to symptomatic ACJ instability in some patients. Preventive arthroscopic DCR is not recommended in patients with radiological but asymptomatic ACJ arthritis. Further long-term follow-up is needed to confirm the development of symptoms in ACJ arthritis.