Clarifying the Functional Design and Consequences of Injury for the Clavicle and Acromioclavicular Joint Webinar

The intimate relationship between the clavicle and scapula has been recognized as pivotal for shoulder function. Injury to either the clavicle or acromioclavicular (AC) joint has the potential to disrupt that relationship resulting in decreased function and increased impairment. Traditionally, both clavicular fracture and AC joint injury have been viewed as static, 2-dimensional problems, which has driven clinical management to focus on the restoration of realignment without consideration for dynamic function. These static descriptions of the anatomy and biomechanics of the clavicle and AC joint do not provide the context for the most effective understanding of AC joint injuries. Furthermore, as the literature continues to grow on this topic, reports have been consistently showing scapular dysfunction to be at least moderately associated with clavicular and AC joint injury. The consequences of continuing to view these structures 2-dimensionally without consideration for scapular function could have a negative impact on evaluation and treatment outcomes. Therefore, this session intends to provide a more functional description, relating the anatomy to how it facilitates, guides, and optimizes 3-dimensional mechanics of the clavicle, scapula, AC joint, and arm to create motions, forces, and work to accomplish tasks. Functional consequences will be discussed in addition to the most current evidence-based evaluation and treatment recommendations.