Definition:

Surgery for an AC joint injury aims to relieve pain and restore function by removing the damaged end of the clavicle bone. The more sever sub-types of shoulder separation (IV through VI) usually require surgery due to the sever displacement of the clavicle causing pain and pressure on the nearby trepezius muscle.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the front of the shoulder
• Pain when reaching overhead
• Pain when trying to sleep on affected side
• Instability in the shoulder and arm
• Physical deformity- a bump on top of the shoulder

Causes:

• Common in collision sports
• Fall on the tip of the shoulder
• Fall on an outstretched hand

Treatment:

• Period of immobilization with sling
• Progress to passive ROM, then to active ROM
• Posture program
• Shoulder stabilization exercises
• Upper extremity strengthening