Arthroscopic resection of the acromioclavicular joint.

Arthroscopic resection of the distal clavicle was used to treat 26 patients who had osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. Twenty of these patients were available for review at a minimum followup of 2 years. The preoperative ratings for pain, activities of daily living, work, and sports improved markedly in 17 patients postoperatively. No intraoperative complications were noted. The operation was unsuccessful in 3 patients and all underwent a second, open surgery. The results show that arthroscopic resection was effective in the treatment of isolated acromioclavicular joint arthritis.