Dr. Jason Hurst
Knee, Shoulder
AC Joint Separation
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain or a shoulder injury, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
What Our Patients Say
“Friendly, straightforward, and at the top. Told me the truth about my shoulder joint condition and laid out the options for me. If surgery is in my future – he’ll be the one to do it.” — Scott H.
There are two joints in the shoulder—the AC joint and the glenohumeral joint. The AC joint is where the shoulder blade meets the collarbone or clavicle. The part of the shoulder blade that the clavicle attaches to is called the acromion. So the name of this joint is the acromioclavicular joint.
The glenohumeral joint is where the shoulder blade meets the upper arm bone. This is often referred to as the true shoulder joint.
What is AC Joint Separation?
AC (acromioclavicular) joint separation can also be referred to as shoulder separation. AC separation is a condition where the ligaments of the AC joint become stretched or torn. This results in the collar bone separating from the shoulder blade.
If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our shoulder specialists look forward to relieving your shoulder pain so you can continue doing what you love!
The Types of AC Joint Separation
An AC separation can range from mild to severe. An AC joint injury is graded according to severity. The 3 types of AC joint severities are listed below.
- Grade I injury: This refers to the least amount of injury. Only the ligaments of the joint itself are injured.
- Grade II injury: This refers to damage to the joint’s ligaments and other ligaments that stabilize the shoulder. These other ligaments are called the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. Grade II signifies that these CC ligaments are stretched but not entirely torn. The collarbone may not line up with acromion, resulting in a lump at the joint.
- Grade III injury: This grade refers to CC ligaments being completely torn. The collarbone is no longer attached to the shoulder blade, and a deformity is apparent at the AC joint.
The Causes of AC Joint separation
AC joint separations usually occur with a direct blow to the shoulder. Common causes include falls, sports accidents, and automobile accidents.
What Are the symptoms of AC Joint Separation?
You may have the following symptoms with an AC joint injury:
- Mild to severe pain at the top of the shoulder
- Shoulder deformity at the top of the shoulder
How AC Joint Separation is Diagnosed
Your doctor will begin with a physical examination, looking at the condition and symptoms of your shoulder. Your doctor may also request imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans to confirm the extent of your injury.
How to Treat AC Joint Separation
The initial treatment of an AC joint separation involves reducing pain and inflammation and immobilizing the shoulder joint. The following treatments can help in this initial phase:
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter medication for pain and inflammation can be used to treat the pain.
- Ice packs: Ice can be applied for 15 minutes every hour to help reduce swelling.
- Arm sling: Wearing an arm sling will immobilize the shoulder and help prevent it from getting damaged further.
After a period of rest, your doctor may authorize some range of motion exercises through physical therapy. This will help you to avoid getting a frozen shoulder. Your rehabilitation will also include strengthening exercises.
Surgical treatment is rarely needed to recover from a separated shoulder.
How Long is Recovery After an AC Joint Separation?
Your recovery time after an AC joint separation will depend on the severity of your injury. Below you will find some estimated recovery times listed according to the type of injury you may be experiencing.
- Grade I injuries will usually take 10-14 days to recover.
- Grade II injuries can take anywhere between 14 days and 6 weeks to recover.
- Grade III injuries can take 6 to 8 weeks to recover.
How to Prevent AC Joint Injuries
There is no specific way to prevent a separated shoulder, as they usually occur during accidents. However, the following factors can increase the chances of shoulder injuries:
- Accidents and falls
- Repetitive shoulder motions
- Wear and tear with age
- Physical work
- Participation in contact sports
The Specialists at JIS Orthopedics Can Help
The team of shoulder injury specialists at JIS Orthopedics can help diagnose and treat your shoulder injury. We have years of experience helping our patients resolve their shoulder pain and discomfort. Our doctors offer minimally invasive techniques and surgical options to address AC joint injuries.
If you are experiencing pain from a shoulder separation, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today! We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our shoulder specialists look forward to helping you feel your best again!
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla
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