What outcomes are important in the recovery from acromio-clavicular (AC) joint pathology? A focus group study with patients and surgeons

Introduction Acromio-clavicular (AC) joint pathology is a disabling condition that can restrict quality of life through chronic pain and functional limitation. The objective of this study was to determine symptoms and patient-centred outcomes identified by patients with AC pathology and from experienced shoulder surgeons. Methods Qualitative research methods were undertaken with patient and surgeon focus groups. Patients with AC-joint pathology were invited to participate and were stratified into two cohorts: AC instability and AC osteoarthritis (OA). Results Sixteen patients participated in five patient focus group discussions including 10 patients with AC instability and six patients with AC OA. Four surgeons participated in two focus groups. Although some themes were common to both AC Instability and AC OA, a number of themes were unique to each. A number of themes were identified that do not appear in existing AC joint scores. Conclusion Although many factors affecting the AC joint were common to instability and OA pathology, several factors appear to be unique to each and do not appear in existing AC joint metrics. These symptoms and patient-centered outcomes may be used by clinicians in the assessment of patients with AC pathology and in the development of rehabilitation programs.