INTRODUCTION​

• Shoulder Separation is a condition characterized by injury to the Acromioclavicular (AC) and Coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments

• More common in males than females

• (Not so) Fun fact: Shoulder separation is common in cyclists who fall off their bikes or quarterbacks who are tackled to the ground

• 10% of shoulder injuries are shoulder separation injuries

CAUSES

• Shoulder separation is caused by a traumatic injury, usually by a blow to the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder

• Common in active young adults participating in sports, but can occur in any patient regardless of activity level

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the top of the shoulder where the collar bone meets the shoulder blade

• Often characterized by a bump in the top of the shoulder

TREATMENT​​

• Treatment of shoulder separation depends on type

• Types 1 and 2 are mild sprains and don't require surgery. 

• Type 3 injuries can often be treated without surgery unless dominant arm, laborer, or athlete

• Types 4-6 often require surgery

• 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

• Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen are oftentimes helpful as an adjunct to other treatments

• Surgery consists of stabilization of the AC joint by reconstructing the ligaments and reducing the collar bone back down to its anatomic position

PREVENTION​

• There is no preventive strategy for a shoulder separation except for avoiding falls directly on your shoulder

 

POST-OPERATIVE REHAB PROTOCOL

• Click here for AC Reconstruction Rehab Protocol