Acromioclavicular Injuries
Definition
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is between the upper part of the shoulder blade and the collarbone. AC joint separation happens when the ligaments of this joint become damaged or torn. This causes a separation between the acromion and the collarbone.
Causes
This problem is caused by a trauma to the shoulder, such as:
- Falling directly onto the shoulder—most common cause
- Being hit on the point of the shoulder blade
- Falling on an outstretched arm
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Playing certain sports, such as football, hockey, or lacrosse
- Sports that may involve falls like cycling, skiing, or gymnastics
- Increased age
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain and tenderness over the joint
- Swelling
- Bruising
- A popping feeling in the joint
- A bump on the shoulder
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms, health history, and how the injury happened. An exam will be done. It will focus on the shoulder. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be taken of your shoulder. This can be done with
x-rays
.
Treatment
How long it takes to heal depends on how badly the joint was injured. The goals of treatment are to ease pain and swelling. Medicine can help. Other options are:
- A sling to prevent the shoulder from moving and give it time to heal
- Ice packs to ease pain and swelling
- Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the AC joint separation is severe. Options are:
- Trimming back the end of the collarbone so that it does not rub against the shoulder blade
- Reconstructing the ligaments that attach to the underside of the collarbone
Prevention
To lower the risk of this health problem:
- Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the shoulder.
- Wear safety equipment and use proper techniques when playing sports or doing activities.
- Exercise regularly to maintain strength, mobility, and to prevent falls.
Definition
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is between the upper part of the shoulder blade and the collarbone. AC joint separation happens when the ligaments of this joint become damaged or torn. This causes a separation between the acromion and the collarbone.
Causes
This problem is caused by a trauma to the shoulder, such as:
- Falling directly onto the shoulder—most common cause
- Being hit on the point of the shoulder blade
- Falling on an outstretched arm
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Playing certain sports, such as football, hockey, or lacrosse
- Sports that may involve falls like cycling, skiing, or gymnastics
- Increased age
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain and tenderness over the joint
- Swelling
- Bruising
- A popping feeling in the joint
- A bump on the shoulder
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms, health history, and how the injury happened. An exam will be done. It will focus on the shoulder. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be taken of your shoulder. This can be done with
x-rays
.
Treatment
How long it takes to heal depends on how badly the joint was injured. The goals of treatment are to ease pain and swelling. Medicine can help. Other options are:
- A sling to prevent the shoulder from moving and give it time to heal
- Ice packs to ease pain and swelling
- Exercises to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the AC joint separation is severe. Options are:
- Trimming back the end of the collarbone so that it does not rub against the shoulder blade
- Reconstructing the ligaments that attach to the underside of the collarbone
Prevention
To lower the risk of this health problem:
- Do not put yourself at risk for trauma to the shoulder.
- Wear safety equipment and use proper techniques when playing sports or doing activities.
- Exercise regularly to maintain strength, mobility, and to prevent falls.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
a
(Acromioclavicular Joint Separation; Shoulder Separation)
References
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acromioclavicular-ac-joint-injuries. Accessed July 29, 2021.
Shoulder separation. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/s/shoulder-separation.html. Accessed July 29, 2021.
Shoulder separation. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/shoulder-separation. Accessed July 29, 2021.
