AC arthropathy after accident

[Eiresquid11]

I was hit by a truck while walking 2.5 months ago.  I took most of the impact on my right shoulder and upper arm.  Upon going for x-rays, they discovered, I had a deep muscle contusion.  Within days of the accident, I started to experience spasms of pain from my shoulder straight down through my wrist.  These spasms have become less frequent over time but I still get them.  Every time I rotate my shoulder, it either cracks, grinds, pops or any variation of the three.  I requested an MRI and the results stated that I had AC arthropathy.  My orthopedist said that it was not from the accident, however.  He claimed it was from (and I quote) "many, many years of overuse."  I am a 27 year old female.  I am also left-handed and never engaged in very strenuous upper body activities.  I experience the pain in my right shoulder, which is where I got hit.  Should I go for a second opinion?  Can you explain to me what ac arthropathy is?  It was really never explained to me.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Dee1956]

Thank you so much for this explanation, I have been trying to find a definition of this as well as hypertrophy of AC Joint
Many thanks
Dee

[Eiresquid11]

Thank you for replying Dr. Vinod.  I appreciate it immensely!  Could you please tell me how quickly after an injury the AC arthropathy might begin to bother me?

I believe that I am only at a grade 1 or 2 for now.  It is painful when I move it or keep it over my head, but I don't get the intense spasms of pain as frequently while it is at rest.

I think that I will go for the second opinion anyway.

Thanks again!

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The AC or the acromio clavicular  joint is where the acromion part of the scapula & clavicle or the collar bone meet. This allows the Clavicle to provide support to the Scapula, connecting it to the ribcage via the sternum at its medial end. The clavicle rotates at the AC Joint when the arm is elevated.
In AC arthropathy the AC Joint will become degenerated and the cartilage lining will be worn out due injury or wear and tear. The joint space narrows and two bones rub against one another causing spur
formation, pain and weakness.

The treatment will depend on the grade. In grade 1 rest, icing and physiotherapy will help, in grade 2 you would need a cortisone injection and the sever grade 3 you would need a surgical intervention.

Take a second opinion on the diagnosis and if the diagnosis is correct go for the treatment near any good orthopedician who you are convinced with.

Take care!