AC Joints
What Is Ac Joint injury?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the joint composed by the clavicle (collarbone) and the highest point of the acromion (shoulder blade). The AC joint is held closely together by multiple ligaments (one in the front, one in the back, one on top and one in the bottom). Additionally, there are two ligaments connected to another bone called the coracoid (conoid and trapezoid) that keep the clavicle in place.
What causes AC Joint injury?
An AC joint injury is a common shoulder condition generally caused by a hard fall or blunt force to the joint. A sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon can help alleviate acromioclavicular joint pain and deformity after an injury and return patients to an active, healthy lifestyle. The most common cause of an AC joint injury is a direct contact force impacting the top of the shoulder. The fall can cause the joint to experience a mild sprain or, in cases of a particularly forceful impact, a complete shoulder separation. An AC joint injury is measured in multiple grades, spanning from Grade 1 as a mild sprain up to Grade 6 as a debilitating and complete disruption resulting in a total AC joint separation.
How Ac Joint Injury is Diagnosed?
A comprehensive physical examination of the shoulder along with a detailed history and a series of x-rays will lead to a confirmed AC joint injury diagnosis. An x-ray can also help rule out any additional injuries to the bone, such as a fracture of the end of the collarbone. In addition to x-ray, an MRI scan to determine the injury grade and assess injury of surrounding ligaments to arrive at an effective and individualized treatment plan.
How Ac joint Injury is Treated?
Depending on the pain and the function, options range from conservative treatment to surgical options. These options should be tailored to each patient’s needs. Injury grade can help determine which is the best option. A surgical procedure may be recommended by doctor in higher grade injuries or when non operative treatments have failed.