A typical presentation of acromioclavicular separation is one with a traumatic onset of shoulder pain after a fall on an outstretched arm, or direct fall on the shoulder. Acromioclavicular joint injury consists of many different types and severity. AC joint separation is based off of the degree of separation and how many of the supporting ligaments are involved. There are 3 types of acromioclavicular joint injury (the additional 4-6 grades correspond to displacement).

• Type I- first-degree separation or sprain.
• Type II- second-degree separation or torn AC ligament.
• Type III- third-degree separation, which is torn AC and coracoclavicular ligaments.

Grades of AC joint separation.

Cause of AC joint separation.

As mentioned above these are typically traumatic. Falling on an outstretched arm or direct fall onto the shoulder.

Treatment options.

All AC joint separations (all degrees) can be managed conservatively by a chiropractic orthopedist. Conservative management of even a third-degree separation result in the same long-term clinical outcomes as surgical management. Those treated surgically have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, and coracoclavicular ligament ossification. Conservative options may not be able to fix the visual deformity of the joint, but pain reduction or resolution is possible.

Using bracing techniques can be helpful. The use of interferential therapy and ultrasound have good theraputic benefits to pain reduction.

Seeing a chiropractic orthopedist for AC joint separation.

A chiropractic orthopedist can be the first line of treatment for this sports injury. Specializing in conservative orthopedics diagnosing and treating the AC joint injury is possible. With the use of the above mentioned therapies and bracing coupled with radiological evaluation, an in depth evaluation and education can be rendered. Start treatment today. Call us at 540 898 4100 or visit us here!