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An acromioclavicular joint injury, otherwise known as a shoulder separation, is a traumatic injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint with disruption of the acromioclavicular ligaments and/or coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments.
AC joint separation occurs when a sudden force to your shoulder pulls your shoulder blade and collarbone apart and damages the ligaments. The most common cause of AC joint separation is a...
Acromioclavicular joint injuries, commonly shortened to ACJ injuries, are characterized by damage to the acromioclavicular joint and surrounding structures. Almost invariably traumatic in etiology, they range in severity from a mild sprain to complete disruption.
A shoulder separation occurs when a fall or other trauma tears or stretches the ligaments of your acromioclavicular joint, which is the point where your collarbone meets your shoulder blade. A separated shoulder injury may be mild to severe. Most people recover within two to 12 weeks without surgery.
The most common cause for a separation of the AC joint is from a fall directly onto the shoulder. The fall injures the ligaments that surround and stabilize the AC joint. This figure shows the intact ligaments around the acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint.
This type of injury is referred to as an “AC joint sprain” or a “separation.” These injuries typically occur after a sudden fall onto the shoulder. The AC joint is also a common place that arthritis develops, which can become painful.
Shoulder separation, also known as an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury, can cause serious discomfort. If you think you have a separated shoulder, you should see a doctor. They can evaluate the severity of your separation and come up with a treatment plan.
A complete AC joint tear or rupture of both main ligaments defines a grade 3 AC joint sprain or shoulder separation. With severe pain, tenderness, and swelling of the shoulder, moving the shoulder becomes quite difficult. A bump on your shoulder will be heavily pronounced.
What is an AC joint separation? When the AC joint is separated, it means that the ligaments are torn and the collarbone no longer lines up with the acromion. Ligaments are tough, sinewy tissues that act like tethers to hold the bones together.
The AC joint is strong, but its location makes it vulnerable to injury from trauma. Injury to the ligaments (also called shoulder separation) can occur as a result of a fall, direct blow, or other trauma.