DISCUSSION
Aromioclavicular pain is a common condition usually arising due to traumatic causes and less commonly due to atraumatic causes such as infections and arthritis.2 Acute calcific periarthritis is a rarely diagnosed condition of acromioclavicular joint and frequently misdiagnosed as septic arthritis and fractures. This is especially the case when calcification involves the joints other than shoulder.4 Mostly affecting the people between 4th and 6th decades, calcific periarthritis shows equal sex distribution.1
Acute calcific periarthritis can present with varying signs and symptoms including pain, redness, swelling and limited movements of the joint.5 The pathophysiology can be described as the deposition of hydroxyappatite along with inflammatory cells, mostly neutrophils.6
Several imaging modalities are helpful in diagnosing the condition. Radiography is the key diagnostic modality for evaluating calcific deposition. Sequential x-ray films are cost effective and helps in recognizing change in the size and location, and even spontaneous disappearance .7,8 Ultrasound is useful in both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose, particularly in the shoulder.9
Treatment options include conservative and surgical therapy. Nonsurgical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, with NSAIDs, physical therapy, local hot or cold compression and corticosteroid injections comprising first- line treatment.1,10
Although the presentation of acute calcific periarthritis may confuse the clinicians leading to misdiagnosis, the radiographic finding of calcification is highly suggestive of the diagnosis. Patient may be subjected to various diagnostic and invasive procedures such as joint aspiration due to lack of familiarity to this condition.4 Hence it is of utmost important to be aware of this disease condition so as to minimize incorrect diagnoses.