Swedish trends in excision arthroplasty of the acromioclavicular joint during 2008-2023: a population-based register...

Excision arthroplasty of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is a common procedure for degenerative, post-traumatic, and overload-related AC joint pathology; however, population-based data from Scandinavia are lacking. This study aimed to describe national trends in AC joint excision in Sweden from 2008 to 2023 and to forecast future incidence to 2040.

This is an observational, population-based register study using the Swedish National Patient Register. All patients ≥15 years who underwent excision arthroplasty of the AC joint (Nordic Medico-Statistical Committee [NOMESCO] code NBG09) between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2023, were included. Incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated using annual population data and stratified by sex, age group, and region. Temporal trends were assessed with linear regression models and forecasts up to 2040.

In total, 41,555 patients underwent AC joint excision during the study period. Men consistently accounted for more procedures and had higher incidence rates than women. The incidence in men increased from 14.6 to 45.3 per 100,000 between 2008 and 2023, and in women from 10.4 to 32.6 per 100,000. The highest incidence was observed in individuals aged 50-69 years. All regions exhibited rising incidence over time. Forecast modeling indicated a continued increase in procedure incidence through 2040.

The incidence of AC joint excision arthroplasty in Sweden has risen steadily since 2008 and is projected to continue increasing. These findings highlight a growing surgical burden and underscore the need for evidence-based guidelines, clinical outcome studies, and cost-effectiveness analyses to optimize indications and reduce unwarranted treatment variation.