Acromioclavicular joint 1911791 216446169 2008-06-01T18:19:01Z 12.227.160.95 {{unreferenced|date=October 2006}} {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = Acromioclavicular joint | Latin = articulatio acromioclavicularis | GraySubject = 82 | GrayPage = 315 | Image = Gray326.png | Caption = The left shoulder and acromioclavicular joints, and the proper ligaments of the scapula. | Image2 = Gray328.png | Caption2 = Glenoid fossa of right side. | System = | Precursor = | MeshName = Acromioclavicular+Joint | MeshNumber = A02.835.583.032 | DorlandsPre = a_64 | DorlandsSuf = 12160945 | }} The '''acromioclavicular joint''', or '''AC joint''', is a [[joint]] at the top of the [[shoulder]]. It is the junction between the [[acromion]] (part of the [[scapula]] that forms the highest point of the shoulder) and the [[clavicle]]. ==Function== The AC joint allows the ability to raise the arm above the head. This joint functions as a pivot point (although technically it is a gliding synovial joint), acting like a strut to help with movement of the scapula resulting in a greater degree of arm rotation. ==Ligaments== The joint is stabilized by three [[ligament]]s: * The [[acromioclavicular ligament]], which attaches the clavicle to the [[acromion of the scapula]]. Superior Acromioclavicular Ligament This ligament is a quadrilateral band, covering the superior part of the articulation, and extending between the upper part of the lateral end of the clavicle and the adjoining part of the upper surface of the acromion. It is composed of parallel fibers, which interlace with the aponeuroses of the Trapezius and Deltoideus; below, it is in contact with the articular disk when this is present. Inferior Acromioclavicular Ligament This ligament is somewhat thinner than the preceding; it covers the under part of the articulation, and is attached to the adjoining surfaces of the two bones. It is in relation, above, in rare cases with the articular disk; below, with the tendon of the Supraspinatus * The [[coracoacromial ligament]], which runs from the coracoid process to the acromion. The Coracoacromial Ligament is a strong triangular band, extending between the coracoid process and the acromion. It is attached, by its apex, to the summit of the acromion just in front of the articular surface for the clavicle; and by its broad base to the whole length of the lateral border of the coracoid process. This ligament, together with the coracoid process and the acromion, forms a vault for the protection of the head of the humerus. It is in relation, above, with the clavicle and under surface of the Deltoideus; below, with the tendon of the Supraspinatus, a bursa being interposed. Its lateral border is continuous with a dense lamina that passes beneath the Deltoideus upon the tendons of the Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus. The ligament is sometimes described as consisting of two marginal bands and a thinner intervening portion, the two bands being attached respectively to the apex and the base of the coracoid process, and joining together at the acromion. When the Pectoralis minor is inserted, as occasionally is the case, into the capsule of the shoulder-joint instead of into the coracoid process, it passes between these two bands, and the intervening portion of the ligament is then deficient. * The [[coracoclavicular ligament]], which consists of two ligaments, the [[conoid]] and the [[trapezoid ligament]]s. The Coracoclavicular Ligament serves to connect the clavicle with the coracoid process of the scapula. It does not properly belong the acromioclavicular joint articulation, but is usually described with it, since it forms a most efficient means of retaining the clavicle in contact with the acromion. It consists of two fasciculi, called the trapezoid ligament and conoid ligament. These ligaments are in relation, in front, with the Subclavius and Deltoideus; behind, with the Trapezius. ==Injuries== {{main|Separated shoulder}} A common injury to the AC joint is dislocation, often called AC separation or shoulder separation. This is not the same as a "shoulder dislocation," which refers to dislocation of the [[Glenohumeral joint]]. AC dislocation is common in sports such as [[football]], [[soccer]], [[swimming]], [[horseback riding]], [[mountain biking]], and [[biking]]. AC dislocations are rated in terms of severity on a scale of 1 to 6, 6 being the most severe. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall on the tip of the shoulder or FOOSH (Falls on an outstretched hand). AC dislocations are also graded from I to III. Grading is based upon the degree of separation of the acromion from the clavicle with weight applied to the arm. '''Grade I''' is a tear of the AC ligament. It has the normal separation of <4mm. '''Grade II''' is a complete dislocation of AC ligament with partial disruption of coracoclavicular ligament. The AC gap is >5mm. '''Grade III''' is complete disruption of AC and CC ligaments. On plain film the inferior aspect of the clavicle will be above the superior aspect of the acromion. The joint will be very tender and swollen on examination. ==Additional images== <gallery> Image:Shoulderjoint.PNG|Diagram of the human shoulder joint </gallery> {{Joints of upper limbs}} [[Category:Joints]] [[de:Schultereckgelenk]] [[sv:Akromioklavikularled]] [[th:ข้อต่ออโครมิโอคลาวิคิวลาร์]]