Distal clavicle excision is a focused surgical procedure that removes a small portion of the collarbone to relieve pressure and pain in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. For patients in Los Angeles dealing with persistent shoulder discomfort from arthritis, impingement, or past injuries, this approach can restore motion when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Dr. Reza Jazayeri, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed his sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, performs this procedure using arthroscopic techniques. His training at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and over 15 years of clinical experience shape a practice built on precise diagnosis and individualized surgical care, focusing on sports medicine for shoulder injuries.
Distal Clavicle Excision Overview
The AC joint sits where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade. Over time, repetitive use, arthritis, or injury can wear down the cartilage and create bone spurs, leading to pain with overhead movement, reaching across the body, or sleeping on the affected side.
A distal clavicle excision removes about 5 to 10 millimeters of the end of the clavicle, creating space in the joint and stopping bone-on-bone contact. The procedure is often done as part of a broader arthroscopic shoulder surgery when other problems like rotator cuff tears or impingement are present, and typically takes about an hour to complete.
Benefits Of Distal Clavicle Excision Surgery
The main goal of this surgery is pain relief that allows you to return to the activities you value. Many patients experience a clear reduction in the deep, aching pain that comes from AC joint arthritis. Improved range of motion is another common benefit, especially for reaching overhead or across your body.
Because the procedure uses small incisions when performed arthroscopically, there is less disruption to surrounding muscle and soft tissue, which can mean a shorter recovery compared to open surgical methods. For active adults and athletes in the Los Angeles area, regaining functional shoulder movement without constant pain is the central reason this surgery is considered.
Who Can Benefit From This Procedure
You may be a candidate for distal clavicle excision if you have ongoing AC joint pain that has not responded to conservative care, including physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medications. People with confirmed arthritis of the AC joint, visible bone spurs on imaging, or pain from a previous shoulder separation often fit the criteria. Active adults who lift weights, swim, or perform repetitive overhead work frequently seek this option when the pain limits their performance.
Dr. Jazayeri evaluates each patient individually, starting with a non-surgical-first approach. Surgery is discussed only when those methods have not provided adequate relief and the diagnosis is clearly tied to the AC joint.
How Distal Clavicle Excision Is Performed
The procedure is usually done arthroscopically through two or three small portals around the shoulder. A tiny camera is inserted to view the joint, and a specialized shaver or burr is used to remove the end of the clavicle. Dr. Jazayeri applies minimally invasive techniques throughout his shoulder surgeries.
The surgery is performed under regional or general anesthesia.
Once the bone is resected and the joint space is cleared, the incisions are closed with small sutures. Most patients go home the same day with a sling and a clear set of post-operative instructions.
Recovery Process After Surgery
Initial recovery focuses on protecting the shoulder while early motion begins. You will wear a sling for a short period, often just a few days to a week. Pain is managed with prescribed medication and ice therapy.
Within the first two weeks, gentle pendulum exercises and passive range of motion work typically start. Most people can return to light daily activities within a few weeks, while full sports or heavy lifting usually takes about two to three months.
Dr. Jazayeri incorporates prehabilitation and nutritional optimization into his surgical protocols, including preoperative lab testing for vitamin D and inflammatory markers. This metabolic preparation is part of his broader recovery framework and is supported by his own peer-reviewed research.
Physical Therapy For Optimal Healing
Physical therapy is a central part of recovery after distal clavicle excision. A structured program helps restore shoulder motion, rebuild strength, and prevent stiffness. Early sessions focus on gentle stretching and manual techniques to keep the joint mobile.
As healing progresses, you will add strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. Dr. Jazayeri works with patients in Los Angeles to coordinate therapy that aligns with their specific surgical plan.
He also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, which provides remote recovery support. Consistent therapy attendance and home exercise compliance give you the best chance at a smooth return to activity.
Lifestyle Changes To Support Recovery
How you live during recovery directly affects how well your shoulder heals. Prioritize sleep quality, as tissue repair happens during deep rest. Follow an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan with adequate protein intake to support muscle and tendon healing.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which can slow bone and soft tissue recovery. Dr. Jazayeri emphasizes musculoskeletal longevity as a clinical focus, and his guidance often includes targeted supplementation based on your preoperative lab results.
Small daily habits like proper posture, taking breaks during repetitive tasks, and not rushing back into heavy lifting make a meaningful difference. These changes support the surgical work and help protect the shoulder long after you have healed.
Collarbone Fractures (Clavicle Fractures):
Open Reduction Internal Fixation With a Plate and Suture Implant Animation
This animated video demonstrates the use of a plate, screws, and suture button implant to repair a break in the collarbone.
Watch: Arthrex® Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair Using Coracoid Fixation
Frequently Asked Questions
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Distal clavicle excision is a surgical procedure that removes a small part of the collarbone to relieve pain in the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This surgery is often recommended for those with persistent shoulder pain from conditions like arthritis or previous injuries.
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Good candidates for distal clavicle excision are individuals with ongoing AC joint pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments. This includes people with arthritis, bone spurs, or those who have had a shoulder separation and still experience pain.
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The surgery is usually done arthroscopically through small incisions around the shoulder. A camera is used to guide the surgeon in removing the end of the clavicle, which helps relieve pressure in the joint.
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Recovery involves wearing a sling for a short time and managing pain with medication. Physical therapy starts soon after surgery to help restore motion and strength, and most people can return to light activities within a few weeks.
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Like any surgery, distal clavicle excision has risks, including infection and pain. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon to understand how they may apply to your situation.
Why Choose Dr. Jazayeri For Distal Clavicle Excision?
When it comes to distal clavicle excision, you want a surgeon with experience and a focus on your specific needs. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.
With over 15 years of experience, he understands the unique challenges that come with shoulder pain. His training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles means he’s well-versed in the latest techniques for shoulder surgeries, including minimally invasive approaches.
Dr. Jazayeri uses minimally invasive methods to ensure a quicker recovery and less discomfort. His approach includes a thorough evaluation to explore non-surgical options first.
If surgery is necessary, he tailors the procedure to fit your lifestyle and goals. Patients in the Greater Los Angeles area can trust that they will receive personalized care from a doctor who treats them like family.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Dr. Jazayeri is one of the best surgeons I’ve ever had. Last year I fell on my left shoulder and damaged it so badly that the only option was a total reverse shoulder replacement. After consulting with Dr. Jazayeri, he explained the procedure and also the follow-up issues. He didn’t sugar coat anything but said he was confident he could take away my pain and restore almost all of my shoulder motion. He delivered exactly as he had promised. I also took his advice and did the amino acid regimen as part of my recovery. I’m so lucky to have had him as my surgeon for this procedure. Thank you, Dr. Jazayeri, so much.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If shoulder pain is limiting your daily life and conservative treatments have not helped, a distal clavicle excision may be the right next step. Dr. Reza Jazayeri brings over 15 years of experience and double board certification in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine to every patient he treats. With fellowship training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic and a practice philosophy centered on treating every patient like family, he provides careful, individualized surgical care.
Serving patients throughout the Los Angeles area, with convenient access from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities, Dr. Jazayeri also offers virtual consultations for patients across California and beyond. Contact the practice today to schedule your evaluation and discuss your options, backed by his commitment to patient-centered care.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
