Question 1

is widening of ac shoulder joint dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not dangerous but: May point 2 a separated shoulder of low grade. Was this compared 2 the opposite side? They may both b the same. Injury? A lot missing here as far as info is concerned. C an ortho if it is painful, was injury, and b sure the other side is on the same film plain ; holding weights in each hand, both taken while standing.

Question 2

how do you know when surgery is needed for a widening ac joint,  i have had the pain for about 4/5 months now. thanks ?

Accepted Answer

Function and pain: If the separation is interfering with your quality of life or your money making ability and/or if the pain is getting to you, have it checked by an orthopedist. Weigh the success rate against the benefit.

Question 3

if there is a visual deformiity from a type ii or type iii ac joint widening, how does the deformity go back to its normal location?

Accepted Answer

It does not: Grade 2 and 3 ac joint separations do not go back to its normal location. The shoulder becomes painless, and normal function ensues after a period of 6weeks or so.  If thats the case, nothing further needs to be done. If the shoulder is painful and functionally compromised, surgery is indicated to reconstruct the ligaments of the ac joint.
Here is a link to acj separation physcial therapy http://nycsportsmed.Com/pdf/ac%20joint%20types%20i-iii.Seneviratne.Pdf.

Question 4

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 5

is a widening ac joint the same a ac joint separation?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Especially if acute and tender. Older injuries tend to be painless.

Question 6

what can you do with an ac joint that hasn't healed fully?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your ---: symptoms and Findings on exam and on the XRs and CT scans. If it requires more time to heal, then it'll be immobilized till its healed; if the joint is displaced due to the severity of the injury or due to the being caught in some muscles or ligaments, then an Open procedure would be needed, to approximate the bones and removal of the soft tissues, and then repair the soft tissues.
good luck.

Question 7

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 8

ac joint seperation, what to do?

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 9

how do you treat hypertrophic ac joint?

Accepted Answer

: You may not be able to due much about the hypertrophy, however regular gentle exercise as tolerated should preserve and probably improve mobility is what could be done. You may have a therapist guide you in the mobility exercises initially and I hope you stay fit.

Question 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Widening of ac joint

A member asked:

Is widening of ac shoulder joint dangerous?

A member asked:

How do you know when surgery is needed for a widening ac joint, i have had the pain for about 4/5 months now. thanks ?

A member asked:

If there is a visual deformiity from a type ii or type iii ac joint widening, how does the deformity go back to its normal location?

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:

Is a widening ac joint the same a ac joint separation?

A member asked:

What can you do with an ac joint that hasn't healed fully?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Ac joint seperation, what to do?

A member asked:

How do you treat hypertrophic ac joint?

A member asked:

How to treat separated shoulder (ac joint)?

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