AC Joint Dislocation Treatment

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AC Joint Dislocation Treatment

AC Joint Dislocation Treatment

By Dr. Kanta Prasad (MBBS, MS – Orthopaedics)What Is AC Joint Dislocation?

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the joint between the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder blade (acromion). AC joint dislocation occurs when the ligaments stabilizing this joint are injured or torn, usually due to a direct impact on the shoulder.

This injury is common in road traffic accidents, sports injuries, and falls.

Causes & Risk Factors

AC joint dislocation may occur due to:

Age-related degeneration and wear

- Sudden injury or fall on the shoulder
- Repetitive overhead activities
- Heavy lifting or strain
- Shoulder dislocation
- Poor posture and muscle imbalance

Symptoms of AC Joint Dislocation

Common symptoms include:

- Shoulder pain, especially while lifting the arm
- Pain worsening at night or when lying on the affected side
- Shoulder weakness
- Difficulty combing hair or reaching overhead
- Limited range of motion
- Clicking or cracking sounds during movement

Diagnosis

Dr. Kanta Prasad diagnoses AC joint dislocation through:

Detailed physical examination
X-rays of both shoulders for comparison
MRI (if required) to assess ligament and soft tissue injury

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the grade of injury, activity level, and functional demand.

1. Non-Surgical Treatment

Recommended for Grade I & II injuries and selected Grade III cases:
- Arm sling for comfort
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines
- Ice application in the acute phase
- Physiotherapy for gradual restoration of motion and strength
Most patients recover well without surgery.

2. Surgical Treatment

Surgery is advised for:
- High-grade injuries (Grade IV–VI)
- Persistent pain or instability
- Athletes and physically active individuals
- Cosmetic concerns with functional impairment
Arthroscopic or Open AC Joint Reconstruction
- Minimally invasive or open technique
- Restoration of joint alignment using modern fixation methods
- Stable fixation allowing early rehabilitation

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Sling support initially after injury or surgery
Gradual physiotherapy program
Return to daily activities in 4–6 weeks (non-surgical cases)
Return to sports in 3–6 months (surgical cases)
Excellent outcomes with timely treatment

When to Consult a Shoulder Specialist

Severe shoulder pain after injury
Visible deformity over the shoulder
Difficulty lifting the arm
Pain not improving with rest

Make an Appointment

Our Specialities

Shoulder Injury

Sports Injury

Orthopedic Treatment

Bone Treatment

Hospital Address

Apex Ranthambore Sevika Hospital

Address:

Apex Ranthambore Sevika Hospital, Vinayak Nagar, Housing Board, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Consulting Hours:

Monday – Saturday – 10:00am – 05:00pm

Phone:

+91 9782047038

Email:

drkp06@gmail.com