John D. MacGillivray, M.D.: Treatment: Acromioclavicular (AC) Separation
 
Injuries and Conditions: Shoulder: Acromioclavicular (AC) Separation : Treatment Options
 
Overview
The pain and discomfort experienced with an AC Joint separation can vary based on the severity of the injury. The shoulder joint capsule, ligaments and muscles are all affected by this injury; each of these structures heal at different rates and to different extents. Non-surgical AC separations are usually classified as grades I-III; however, the surgical/non-surgical treatment decision of a grade III seperation depends upon the judgement of the physician.
 
Treatment options:
Conservative Treatment of A-C Joint SeparationShoulder A-C Joint Separation



Non-Surgical Treatment: Conservative Treatment of A-C Joint Separation
  • For grades I-III, non-surgical treatment is typicaly the recommended course of therapy for AC Joint sepeartion.
  • Grade I and grade II seperations are generally treated with medication, cold and hot packs, and the use of a sling to hold the clavicle in position which allows the ligaments to heal.
  • Grade III seperations that involve actual tearing and a seperation may require surgery to re-attach the ligaments and stabilize the clavicle. Although, the majority of grade III injuries are treated with non-surgical methods.


    • Surgical Treatment: Shoulder A-C Joint Separation
  • An AC separation may result in different types of seperation. Each type, or grade of seperation, requires a specific surgical procedure for treatment.
  • Grades IV, V and VI utilize particular surgical techniques and surgical hardware for treatment.
  • The decision to treat type III injuries with surgery is dependent on the physician's assessment of the particulars of the injury; many grade III injuries can be treated with non-surgical measures with good results.

    • Surgical Hardware Considerations
    No surgical hardware is typically used for A-C joint reconstruction.


     
    Factors in Transplant Source
    Not applicable.

    About the Review Team