The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the joint composed of the clavicle (collarbone) and the highest point of the acromion (shoulder blade). The AC joint is held closely together by the Acromioclavicular Ligament and the Coracoclavicular Ligaments (Trapezoid Ligament and Conoid Ligament).
An AC joint injury is a common shoulder condition often referred to as a shoulder separation or AC joint separation. The severity of AC joint injuries can range from mild to severe, typically categorized into several grades:
The most common cause of an AC joint injury is a direct contact force impacting the top of the shoulder. The contact force or fall can cause the joint to experience a mild sprain or, in cases of a particularly forceful impact, a complete shoulder separation.
Usually, the main symptom is pain over the AC joint. If the ligaments were also disrupted, then there could be a bump over the shoulder in addition to the pain. AC joint pain ranges from mild tenderness to sharp, intense pain following injury. The pain is commonly felt at the top of the shoulder.
A comprehensive physical examination of the shoulder along with a detailed history and a series of x-rays performed by Dr. Chahla 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 may be ordered to determine the injury grade and assess injury of surrounding ligaments in order to arrive at an effective and individualized treatment plan.
