A distal clavicle excision procedure is a surgical procedure used to treat shoulder impingement and/or arthritis. Shoulder impingement may occur when the top of the shoulder blade rubs against the rotator cuff beneath it. This can cause debilitating pain and severely limit a patient’s ability to raise their arm and move it comfortably. 

During this procedure, the surgeon will remove the outer end of the clavicle, also known as the collarbone, to eliminate any impingement or friction occurring in the joint. A distal clavicle excision procedure can be performed traditionally or using an arthroscope, which is a small camera used to monitor the area during surgery. Patients may begin to consider surgical intervention if they experience persistent discomfort and do not find relief from conservative options.

When is this Procedure Necessary?

Like most surgical procedures, distal clavicle excision should only be considered if conservative efforts are ineffective at providing sufficient relief. Oftentimes, physical therapy and pain medications can allow patients to live their day-to-day lives. However, in the case that conservative therapies do not help, surgical intervention might be necessary. 

Patients may be a candidate for distal clavicle excision if:

• They experience pain due to shoulder impingement
• They experience pain due to arthritis of the shoulder
• Conservative efforts do not provide relief

Preparing for Your Procedure

Patients will be under general anesthesia to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure. In an arthroscopic approach, the surgeon will use a camera to monitor the area during surgery. They will make an incision along the AC joint and will begin to remove excess bone or anything else that could be causing impingement. If necessary, the surgeon will make additional surgical adjustments. When the surgery is complete, the surgeon will close the incision and the patient will be removed from anesthesia.

After the procedure, patients may experience pain and discomfort in the area. A combination of ice packs and pain medication can help patients manage discomfort. After the area has healed, patients may undergo physical therapy to extend their range of motion and ensure proper healing. Complete recovery can take anywhere from 3-8 months.

At Smith Medical, we understand the complexities of healthcare. In many cases, procedures and treatments are unaffordable because of their high price tags. Our direct pay option allows patients without insurance access to quality healthcare. It is Smith Medical’s mission to provide our patients with the accessible, transparent, and quality care they deserve.

Contact the team at Smith Medical to learn more today.

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