The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is vital for shoulder movement and stability, but it is also vulnerable. A fall, direct blow, or other trauma can lead to AC joint injuries, resulting in significant pain and loss of mobility.
With offices in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, Southlake Orthopaedics delivers complete orthopedic care to Alabama patients. Our multi-specialty team assists patients at every stage, from diagnosis to rehabilitation for less pain, more living.
The AC joint is found in the shoulder, connecting the clavicle (collarbone) to part of the scapula (shoulder blade). Like other joints, it is held together by bands of tough tissue called ligaments. These bands lock each bone securely in place to keep the joint stable and prevent extreme movements.
AC joint separation, or shoulder separation, occurs when the ligaments in the AC joint become stretched or torn, often due to a fall or direct trauma. As a result, the collarbone will no longer line up properly with the shoulder blade. This creates instability and severe pain, making it difficult to use the arm.
Symptoms of shoulder separation depend on the injury severity. Minor separations, where the ligaments are only stretched, may come with some mild tenderness. Severe separation, meanwhile, is often extremely painful with significant loss of movement. The pain comes all at once, often immediately after the injury occurs, and has the following characteristics:
AC joint injury symptoms do not typically get better by themselves. If a patient is experiencing pain that may be caused by an AC injury, they should seek treatment from an orthopedic specialist.
Most AC joint injuries result from a fall, direct blow, or other form of shoulder trauma. This often occurs due to sports participation, especially high-contact sports like skiing, football, and ice hockey. In fact, AC joint injuries account for nearly a third of all shoulder injuries in the National Football League (NFL). They are also among the most common injury types in ice hockey players.
Anybody can be susceptible to sports injuries. Inadequate training or preparation, however, can increase a person’s risk of getting hurt. The following are major risk factors for injury during sports participation:
Previous shoulder injuries may also leave the joint weakened, making it more vulnerable to reinjury.
Patients should seek prompt medical attention after suffering a sports injury. On arrival at Southlake Orthopaedics, the physician will perform a thorough physical exam. They will test the shoulder’s range of motion, identify points of tenderness, and feel for instability in the joint. They may also interview the patient about when the injury took place, what caused it, where it hurts most, and whether they have experienced shoulder injuries in the past.
The physical exam and interview are often followed by medical imaging tests. An X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam is used to take a closer look at internal structures to determine whether they have been damaged. This lets the surgeon confirm the injury type and severity to plan the best treatment.
Once an AC joint injury has been diagnosed, the Southlake Orthopaedics team will discuss treatment options with the patient. Treatment typically begins with conservative methods to decrease pain. The shoulder may be immobilized in a sling, while cold therapy and pain relief medications combat inflammation. As the swelling recedes, physical therapy and rehabilitation are recommended to strengthen the shoulder muscles and restore range of motion.
If the injury is severe, conservative treatments may not be sufficient to address the symptoms and restore functionality. In this case, surgery is often necessary. Surgery for AC joint injuries involves shaving the end of the collarbone to prevent friction, then reattaching torn ligaments to the collarbone. Graft tissue may be required to reconstruct ligaments, especially if a long time has passed since the initial injury.
The high level of care at Southlake Orthopaedics is made possible by our outstanding team of board-certified, multi-specialty physicians. They apply their broad expertise to provide comprehensive care for a wide variety of sports medicine conditions, including AC joint injuries, to help patients get back to their previous level of involvement. Meet our doctors below:
Sports injuries can happen to everyone, but they shouldn’t keep you from doing what you love. Patients who have suffered a sports injury like shoulder separation can find treatment at Southlake Orthopaedics. Our multi-specialty team provides comprehensive care, supporting patients at every stage, from diagnosis to final rehabilitation. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL.