AC Joint Injuries

What is a separated shoulder, and how is it treated?

If you are looking for a board-certified orthopedic specialist, why not book an appointment with OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio? We will be happy to help you on the road to recovery.

What is an AC Joint Injury (Separated Shoulder)?

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries (also known as a separated shoulder or AC joint separation) occur when the clavicle is forcefully dislocated from the acromion. This injury is usually caused by a direct blow to the shoulder or falling on an outstretched arm.

Shoulder Separation Grades

Shoulder separation injuries are often graded according to the extent of the injury and the number of ligaments involved. The grading system is called the Rockwood classification. The grading system is as follows:

Grade 1: The injury has caused a partial tear of your acromioclavicular (AC) ligaments. There is no damage to the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments, which help support the clavicle. You will have some mild swelling and tenderness, but it will heal within a few weeks without treatment.
Grade 2: This type of injury includes a complete tear of your AC ligaments and a sprain or partial tear of your CC ligaments. You will experience mild tenderness and significant swelling.
Grade 3: Your AC ligaments and CC ligaments will be completely torn with this type of injury. You will notice a bump on your AC joint. It will be very painful and cause significant swelling.
Grade 4: An injury where your clavicle is pushed back behind your acromioclavicular joint. You may need surgery to correct this type of injury. Your ligaments will be torn as well.
Grade 5: The end of your clavicle has pushed up upwards and punctured the muscle above your AC joint. This type of injury will require surgery to correct it. Ligaments are also torn.
Grade 6: In this injury, your clavicle is pushed downwards and lodges underneath your coracoid. This refers to a specific area of your shoulder blade. This type of injury will require surgery. Ligaments will also be damaged.

What Can Cause a Shoulder Separation?

Shoulder separations are usually caused by a fall on the outside of the shoulder. As the shoulder makes impact, the arm is forced downwards, injuring the AC joint. AC joint injuries can, therefore, occur while playing sports or in car accidents.

AC Joint Injury Symptoms

If you have an AC joint injury, the common symptoms can include:

Pain in the shoulder and/or arm
Pain when trying to move the shoulder
Swelling
A visible deformity at the top of the shoulder (with Grade III separations)
A “cracking” or “popping” sound when moving the shoulder

The board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialists at OrthoNeuro have helped thousands of patients with AC joint injuries return to an active and healthy lifestyle using a variety of treatment options.

How is an AC Joint Injury Diagnosed?

One of our specialists will begin by performing a physical examination of your shoulder. You may be asked to hold onto a weight to see if your clavicle sticks out.

You may also need an imaging test, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.

During the examination, your provider will determine the extent of your injury according to the Rockwood scale. This will help determine the treatment needed.

How Are AC Joint Injuries Treated at OrthoNeuro?

In many instances, your OrthoNeuro shoulder specialist will begin with conservative treatment options to treat AC joint injuries.

These treatment options can include:

Bracing
Physical therapy
Pain medication

If your shoulder pain and other symptoms do not subside in the course of a few weeks, or the ligaments are severely damaged, your doctor may recommend AC joint surgery to repair the damaged ligaments and restore stability to the shoulder. This procedure is often minimally invasive, using an arthroscope.

Recovering from AC Joint Injury

Most AC joint injuries will recover well. Mild injuries that do not require surgery will take from a few days to 6 weeks to heal. Depending on the extent of the injury, you should return to normal activities within 3 months.

If you require surgery for an AC injury, your recovery will take longer. It can take as long as 6 months to fully return to normal activities. During recovery, you will perform gentle exercises to prevent your shoulder joint from becoming stiff.

There is a possibility that your injury could lead to AC joint arthritis.

Preventing an AC Joint Injury

There are no specific measures to prevent an AC joint injury. However, managing the risks can provide a measure of protection. The risks associated with an AC joint injury include the following:

Participation in impact sports
Accidents and falls
Repetitive shoulder motion
Manual labor
Overuse for those aged 65 and over

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Shoulder Specialist Today!

If you have been experiencing symptoms of an AC joint injury, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified orthopedic specialists at one of our many locations throughout Greater Columbus. We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which treatment is best for you. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Scott A. Smith, MD

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17909-separated-shoulder

Shoulder Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE SHOULDER PAIN AND STIFFNESS THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM MOVING YOUR SHOULDER CORRECTLY, CALL ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SHOULDER TREATMENTS.