What is Distal Clavicle Excision Surgery?
Distal clavicle excision—also known as Mumford procedure—is a surgical treatment used to relieve chronic shoulder pain stemming from the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, located where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (scapula). In this minimally invasive or open surgery, a small portion of the end of the clavicle is removed to eliminate painful bone-on-bone contact and reduce inflammation in the joint.
This procedure is often recommended when non-surgical treatments for AC joint arthritis or impingement have failed to provide relief and is also done concomitantly to other procedures such as rotator cuff repair and/or subacromial decompression.
The Distal Clavicle Excision Procedure
The procedure can be performed arthroscopically (through small incisions with a camera) or as an open surgery. Note: Although arthroscopic surgery is commonly performed, open surgery has equally good outcomes, and the recovery is essentially the same.
Under general or regional anesthesia, the surgeon:
- Makes small incisions around the shoulder
- Inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized tools
- Removes approximately 5–10 mm of the distal (outermost) clavicle
- The remaining bone is smoothed, and the space is preserved to prevent future rubbing
- Surrounding ligaments and soft tissues are carefully preserved or repaired if necessary
The goal is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore range of motion without compromising shoulder strength or stability.
Recovery and Aftercare Following Distal Clavicle Excision
Immediate Recovery:
- The shoulder is typically placed in a sling for comfort for a few days up to a week.
- Ice, elevation, and pain medications help manage swelling and discomfort
- Patients may begin gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first week
Long-Term Recovery:
- Physical therapy is essential to rebuild shoulder strength and restore full motion
- Most patients return to light activities within 2–4 weeks
- Full recovery—including return to sports or heavy lifting—usually occurs within 8–12 weeks
Arthroscopic procedures tend to allow for faster recovery times compared to open surgery.
FAQs
This procedure is typically recommended for AC joint arthritis, shoulder impingement syndrome,pain from overuse or degeneration, and post-traumatic changes following an old shoulder injury. If conservative treatments like rest, injections, or physical therapy haven’t helped, surgery may offer lasting relief.
You can expect improved range of motion, reduced or eliminated pain at the AC joint, temporary soreness and weakness, and a rehabilitation period involving physical therapy to regain strength and motion
Recovery typically takes:
– 2–4 weeks for return to light activity
– 8–12 weeks for full recovery, depending on the extent of surgery and patient health
Most patients resume normal daily activities quickly, with sports or overhead activity taking a bit longer.
Though rare, potential risks include infection, stiffness or reduced range of motion, nerve injury, persistent or recurrent pain, and shoulder weakness without proper rehab. Choosing an experienced orthopedic surgeon and adhering to post-op care can help minimize these risks.
Distal clavicle excision can relieve chronic shoulder pain, preserve shoulder function, allow return to an active lifestyle, and is often performed arthroscopically, which reduces recovery time and scarring. The procedure has high patient satisfaction and long-term success rates.
