Question 1

what can i expect in the recovery of a separated shoulder/ac joint?

Accepted Answer

It depends.: Most AC sprains (types 1, 2, 3) are treated effectively without surgery and athletes return to competition within 1-6 weeks depending injury severity. Types 2 and 3 result in mild to moderate prominence of the distal clavicle. A small percentage of types 1, 2, and 3 require surgery for persistent or late onset symptoms. Some type 3 and all severe (type 4, 5, 6) require early surgery.

Question 2

how to treat separated shoulder (ac joint)?

Accepted Answer

Depends on severity: Ac joint separation treatment depends on the severity of the injury.  Treatment ranges from a sling for mild injuries up to requiring surgery for the most severe injuries. You should have a doctor evaluate the injury to determine the best course of treatment.

Question 3

after a grade 2 or 3 ac joint widening, there is visual deformity on my right shoulder. what are my options for getting it back to normal?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Surgery is indicated for pain and dysfunction. Rarely for cosmetic considerations as you trade off a bump (deformity) for a scar.  Having said that, there are two ligaments called the conoid and the trapezoid that are ruptured in grade 3 ac separation. They can be surgically reconstructed using allograft (cadaver) tissue or autograft (your own) tissue. Anatomic reconstructions restore both ligaments and is done in an open fashion. Single bundle reconstructions can be done arthroscopically. Sports medicine orthopedic surgeons usually perform this operation.

Question 4

what all happens in shoulder-ac joint surgery?

Accepted Answer

AC joint surgery: In ac joint surgery the clavicle is secured to the coracoid process of the scapula to decrease the separation of the ac joint. A graft is frequently used to reconstruct the torn coracoclavicular ligaments.

Question 5

is it possible that a torn rotator cuff cause other injuries within the shoulder such as: separated shoulder(ac joint)?

Accepted Answer

Possibly related: Questioner asks if rotator cuff ; acromialclavicular (ac) joint injuries are related. These are two separate injuries of contiguous tissues. Significant mechanical trauma can cause injury to both structures, but not common. Ac joint separation observed grossly as superior projection of distal clavicle relative to acromion ; palpation of ac joint is painful. Mri necessary to visualize rotator tear.

Question 6

8 weeks post  shoulder cortisone still painful and now physio feels ac joint is involved he mobilsed it now v painful to move what can i do ?

Accepted Answer

Further dx studies: If you have undergone 8 weeks of  a comprehensive conservative treatment program for your shoulder and still having pain further diagnostic studies are likely warranted. Conservative treatment typically includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, physical therapy, avoidance of aggravating activities and possibly a cortisone injection. Further diagnostic studies may include a ultrasound or mri.

Question 7

i tore my ac joint in my shoulder and still get a sharp pain when i rotate my shoulder should i return for a x-ray or try some sort  rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

AC joint: If you re still having pain or limited motion  i would recommend that you followup with othopaedic surgeon .  The problem could stem from ac joint or coiuld be rotator cuff . Before you stay on than process it is helpful to have correct diagnosis.

Question 8

can you tell me about ac joint shoulder surgery on the side with lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Should be ok: Much depend on how long you have had the lymphedema. Better if is chronic than acute. What stage the lymphedema is 1-4 . Lower is better.  How well it is managed around the surgery with compression, massage etc. If all these things are optimized if should be ok.

Question 9

could i get surgery on my shoulder at the ac joint as the top joining bone is rasied up and causes abit of pain while in use?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, you could get surgery on your shoulder but it really depends how severe it is and how long ago you injured the shoulder. Surgery is done to reconstruct the ligaments of the ac joint to restabilize the joint. Indications for surgery include pain and instability. If the bone is only slightly raised and not that painful with use, then living with the deformity is acceptable as well.

Question 10

600lb shrugs. c5, c6 herniated. shoulder is unstable and painful. what type of shoulder injury could it be, excluding nerves? ac joint? thanks.

Accepted Answer

AC joint: Likely an ac joint problem, but could be pain radiating down from neck or internal joint pain in shoulder due to labrum or rotator cuff.  Would suggest evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon in your area.

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Doctor answers about:

Ac joint of the shoulder

A member asked:

What can i expect in the recovery of a separated shoulder/ac joint?

A member asked:

How to treat separated shoulder (ac joint)?

A member asked:

After a grade 2 or 3 ac joint widening, there is visual deformity on my right shoulder. what are my options for getting it back to normal?

A member asked:

What all happens in shoulder-ac joint surgery?

A member asked:

Is it possible that a torn rotator cuff cause other injuries within the shoulder such as: separated shoulder(ac joint)?

A member asked:

8 weeks post shoulder cortisone still painful and now physio feels ac joint is involved he mobilsed it now v painful to move what can i do ?

A member asked:

I tore my ac joint in my shoulder and still get a sharp pain when i rotate my shoulder should i return for a x-ray or try some sort rehabilitation?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about ac joint shoulder surgery on the side with lymphedema?

A member asked:

Could i get surgery on my shoulder at the ac joint as the top joining bone is rasied up and causes abit of pain while in use?

A member asked:

600lb shrugs. c5, c6 herniated. shoulder is unstable and painful. what type of shoulder injury could it be, excluding nerves? ac joint? thanks.

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