ABOUT US
ABOUT US
ABOUT US

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Shoulder and Knee Specialist
SHOULDER AC SEPERATION KANDILNOTES
INTRODUCTION​
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Shoulder Separation is a condition characterized by injury to the Acromioclavicular (AC) and Coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments
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More common in males than females
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(Not so) Fun fact: Shoulder separation is common in cyclists who fall off their bikes or quarterbacks who are tackled to the ground
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10% of shoulder injuries are shoulder separation injuries
CAUSES
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Shoulder separation is caused by a traumatic injury, usually by a blow to the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder
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Common in active young adults participating in sports, but can occur in any patient regardless of activity level
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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Pain in the top of the shoulder where the collar bone meets the shoulder blade
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Often characterized by a bump in the top of the shoulder
TREATMENT​​
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Treatment of shoulder separation depends on type
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Types 1 and 2 are mild sprains and don't require surgery.
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Type 3 injuries can often be treated without surgery unless dominant arm, laborer, or athlete
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Types 4-6 often require surgery
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For types 1-3, immobilization in a sling, rest, and physical therapy / home exercise program focused on stabilization of the muscles around the shoulder is the standard of care
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Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are oftentimes helpful as an adjunct to other treatments
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Surgery consists of stabilization of the AC joint by reconstructing the ligaments and reducing the collar bone back down to its anatomic position
PREVENTION​
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There is no preventive strategy for a shoulder separation except for avoiding falls directly on your shoulder
POST-OPERATIVE REHAB PROTOCOL
