Prospects for Mumford Procedure
At the age of 45, I have been grappling with pain in my AC joint for the past six months. An MRI has revealed significant arthritis, edema, and a bone spur on the upper part of my acromion. Two months ago, I received a cortisone injection that provided considerable relief, but that effect is starting to diminish. I have consulted with a surgeon who mentioned that the Mumford procedure could be a viable option, depending on the level of pain I find manageable at this moment. Currently, my discomfort is minimal. Prior to the injection, I was consuming high doses of paracetamol daily to manage the pain. How can I ascertain whether it’s time to consider surgery as the most suitable option? What does the long-term prognosis look like? Is it common to experience pain following recovery from surgery? (I am eager to avoid any chronic pain!) Overall, my health is good; I engage in regular exercise, averaging around 10,000 steps daily, along with cycling, although I do not perform much upper body workout. I also spend much of my day sitting at a desk, yet my weight is within a healthy range. Being quite tall could contribute to increased mechanical wear due to longer limbs. Fortunately, there are no issues with muscles or ligaments; one physician noted that I possess greater mobility in the joint compared to the average person. I maintain a full range of motion and my strength appears to be adequate.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 10:00:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing the details of your situation. It sounds like you have been managing your AC joint pain quite well for now, especially with the help of the cortisone injection. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns regarding the Mumford procedure:
Main Points:
- Assessing the need for surgery should focus on the level of pain and disruption to your daily life as well as the effectiveness of conservative treatments.
- The long-term prognosis after a Mumford procedure is generally good, but there are risks and possible chronic pain post-surgery.
- Understanding post-operative expectations, including potential for pain, can help you better prepare for the surgery decision.
Explanation:
The decision about whether to proceed with the Mumford procedure often hinges on how much your shoulder pain impacts your daily activities and quality of life. Since you mentioned that your discomfort is currently minimal, it may be beneficial to continue with non-surgical options until the pain significantly affects your routine again.
The Mumford procedure, which involves removing the end of the clavicle to alleviate pressure on the AC joint, generally has a good success rate in reducing pain and improving function. However, as with any surgical procedure, there can be a risk of post-operative pain and complications. Some patients do experience persistent discomfort after surgery, although many find significant relief.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring: Keep track of your pain levels and any changes in your activities. If your pain starts to increase or affect your daily life significantly, that may be a sign to consider surgery.
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Explore Physical Therapy: If you haven't already, consider engaging in physical therapy focused on managing shoulder arthritis. This can strengthen the surrounding muscles and potentially reduce pain.
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Evaluate Medication Use: Since you were using high doses of paracetamol previously, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider to optimize your pain management plan, especially if you need to return to pain relief strategies.
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Stay Active: Continue your exercise routine, but you might want to incorporate specific exercises aimed at building upper body strength and stability, which can help support the AC joint.
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Set a Follow-up: Plan a follow-up with your surgeon to revisit the need for surgical intervention when your current treatments start to lose their effectiveness.
Overall, prioritize monitoring your symptoms and exploring non-invasive treatments. Should your pain intensify or impair your lifestyle significantly, you can then reassess the need for the Mumford procedure.
Please feel free to ask any further questions or for more specifics on managing your condition!
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