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AC Joint Separation Treatment Pune
Get expert AC joint separation treatment in Pune with orthopaedic surgeons offering stabilization, repair, and recovery physiotherapy.
Overview
An Acromioclavicular Joint Injury, commonly called a separated shoulder, happens when the joint connecting your collarbone to your shoulder blade gets damaged. This joint, called the AC joint, is located at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle (collarbone) connects with the acromion, which is part of the shoulder blade.
Unlike a dislocated shoulder, which affects the main shoulder joint, a shoulder separation specifically involves this smaller but crucial connection point. This type of injury is especially common among athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports, accounting for a significant portion of all shoulder injuries.
Symptoms
The signs of an AC joint injury can vary depending on how severe the damage is. Most people experience:
- Pain and tenderness directly over the top of the shoulder
- Swelling around the injured area
- Limited arm movement, especially when lifting overhead
- Visible bump or deformity at the shoulder (in more severe cases)
- Weakness when moving the arm across the body
In mild cases, the symptoms might be subtle, while severe injuries often show obvious changes in the shoulder’s appearance. It’s important to note that some serious injuries might also affect nearby blood vessels or nerves, though this is rare.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Understanding what causes Acromioclavicular Joint Injury can help with both prevention and treatment decisions.
Primary Causes
The most common cause is direct impact to the shoulder, typically occurring when:
- Falling directly onto the shoulder
- Getting hit during contact sports
- Experiencing a forceful blow to the side or top of the shoulder
- Falling in a way that forces the arm against the body awkwardly
Who’s at Higher Risk?
Various factors can raise the risk of developing a separated shoulder:
- Men are five times more likely to suffer this injury than women
- Young adults aged 20-30 face the highest risk
- Contact sport athletes (football, rugby, hockey players)
- People involved in activities with fall risks (cycling, skiing)
Diagnosis
Medical professionals can usually identify an Acromioclavicular Joint Injury through a straightforward process:
Physical Examination
Doctors will carefully examine your shoulder, looking for:
- Visible changes in shoulder shape
- Areas of tenderness when pressed
- Range of motion limitations
- Comparison with your uninjured shoulder
Imaging Tests
X-rays are the most important diagnostic tool, showing:
- The position of your bones
- How much displacement has occurred
- Comparison images of both shoulders if needed
Understanding the Rockwood Classification
Medical professionals use the Rockwood classification system to categorize shoulder separations into six types based on severity:
- Type I & II: Minor injuries with little to no visible deformity
- Type III: Moderate injury with noticeable shoulder changes
- Type IV-VI: Severe injuries requiring surgical intervention
Types I and II occur twice as frequently as the higher-grade injuries, and this classification helps doctors decide on the best treatment approach.
Treatment Options: Non-Surgical vs. Surgical
The treatment for your AC joint injury depends primarily on the injury’s severity and your activity level.
Non-Surgical Treatment (Types I & II)
Most AC joint injuries can heal effectively with non-surgical treatment. This approach includes:
- Rest and activity modification to allow healing
- Sling support to protect the joint
- Ice application to reduce swelling and pain
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain management
- Physical therapy to restore strength and movement
Even some Type III injuries might be treated non-surgically, especially if the patient isn’t highly active in sports or manual labor.
Surgical Treatment (Types IV-VI and Select Type III)
Severe shoulder separations typically require surgical repair to restore proper joint function. Modern surgical techniques focus on:
- Anatomic reconstruction of damaged ligaments
- Joint stabilization using various methods
- Advanced fixation devices like suture buttons or specialized screws
Surgical options may include:
- Coracoclavicular screws
- Hook plates
- Suture anchor systems
- Tendon grafts
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures
Many surgical devices may need removal after healing is complete.
Recovery and Rehabilitation Process
Successful recovery from an Acromioclavicular Joint Injury requires a well-planned rehabilitation program, whether you’ve had surgery or not.
Non-Surgical Recovery
For non-surgical treatment, rehabilitation progresses gradually:
Early Phase (0-2 weeks):
- Pain and swelling control
- Gentle range of motion exercises
- Prevention of muscle weakness
Progressive Phase (2-6 weeks):
- Increased movement exercises
- Light strengthening activities
- Gradual return to daily activities
Advanced Phase (6+ weeks):
- Sport-specific training
- Full strength restoration
- Return to normal activities
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, recovery involves additional considerations:
Immobilization Period (6-8 weeks):
- Protective brace wearing
- Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises
- Strict activity restrictions
Rehabilitation Phase (8+ weeks):
- Gradual movement restoration
- Progressive strengthening
- Monitored return to activities
The key to successful rehabilitation is following your healthcare team’s guidance and progressing at the appropriate pace for your healing.
Potential Complications
While most people recover well from AC joint injuries, some complications can occur:
Non-Surgical Treatment Complications
- Development of chronic arthritis in the joint
- Persistent pain or stiffness
- Incomplete healing leading to instability
Surgical Treatment Complications
- Hardware failure or breakage
- Infection at the surgical site
- Loss of the corrected position
- Bone fractures related to fixation devices
- Nerve injury (rare but serious)
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Warning signs that require immediate medical attention include increasing pain, fever, unusual swelling, or drainage from surgical sites.
Prevention
Although it’s not always possible to prevent AC joint injuries, you can lower your risk by:
- Using proper protective equipment in contact sports
- Learning safe falling techniques
- Maintaining good shoulder strength and flexibility
- Being aware of your surroundings during activities
- Following proper training techniques in sports
Living with Your Recovery
Managing an AC joint injury requires patience and commitment to your treatment plan. Whether you’ve chosen surgical or non-surgical treatment, active participation in rehabilitation is crucial for the best outcomes.
Some people may experience long-term effects, including occasional pain or minor limitations in certain activities. Regular follow-up appointments help ensure proper healing and address any concerns that arise during recovery.
Remember that recovery timelines vary significantly between individuals, and what works for one person may not be exactly right for another.
Key Takeaways
- AC joint injuries can sometimes be mistaken for fractures or dislocations, so a proper clinical and imaging-based diagnosis is crucial.
- Early-stage rehab after AC joint injury focuses not just on movement but also on posture correction and shoulder blade mechanics to prevent long-term dysfunction.
- Patients with Type III injuries may benefit from a trial of non-surgical treatment before considering surgery, especially if functional strength is maintained.
- Delayed treatment or poor rehabilitation may lead to compensatory shoulder mechanics, increasing the risk of further injuries.
- Long-term monitoring is recommended even after recovery, especially in active individuals, to identify early signs of arthritis or joint instability.
- Psychological readiness, especially in athletes, plays a key role in returning to sports after a separated shoulder injury.
Meet Our Shoulder Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lift weights after an AC joint injury?
Yes, but only after your doctor or physiotherapist clears you. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting in the early stages and slowly reintroduce strength training with proper form to avoid reinjury. Focus first on mobility and shoulder stability exercises.
Is it normal to hear clicking or popping in the shoulder after an AC joint injury?
Some clicking or popping can happen during healing, especially if there’s scar tissue or slight joint misalignment. If the clicking is painful or happens often, it’s important to see your doctor—it may be a sign of joint irritation or instability.
Can weather changes affect shoulder pain after an AC joint injury?
Yes, some people experience increased stiffness or discomfort in cooler or damp weather. This is common in joints with past trauma or mild arthritis and can usually be managed with gentle movement and heat therapy.
Will my shoulder look normal again after a separation?
In mild cases, the appearance often returns to normal. In moderate to severe separations, a visible bump at the top of the shoulder may remain even after healing. This doesn’t always affect function but can be corrected surgically if needed for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Can I sleep on the injured shoulder?
It’s best to avoid sleeping on the injured shoulder during the healing phase. Try sleeping on your back or the opposite side with a pillow to support the injured arm. This helps reduce pressure and prevent pain at night.
