What Is a Shoulder Separation?

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the upper section of the shoulder blade (acromion) meets the collarbone. Surrounding the AC joint are AC and the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments, which help to attach and stabilize these bones to each other. When those ligaments are damaged, the clavicle and shoulder blade can separate.

Common Causes of Shoulder Separation

Shoulder separations are usually caused by a direct fall onto the shoulder or a sharp, twisting motion of the arm. AC joint separations are graded on a scale of Type I - VI based on the severity of the damage to the ligament. Here's how shoulder separations are classified:

• Type 1: A partial tear to the AC ligament with no injury to the CC ligament.

• Type 2: Complete tear of the AC ligament with either no damage or a partial tear of the CC ligament. In this grade of injury, the clavicle is partially separated from the shoulder blade.

• Type 3: A complete tear to both the AC and CC ligaments, causing a total separation of the shoulder blade and clavicle.

Type 4-6 of AC joint separations are extremely rare and typically the result of trauma - such as a car accident. In these classifications, the muscles surrounding the AC joint are also torn and require surgical intervention to repair.

Is Your Shoulder Pain the Result of an AC Joint Separation?

Symptoms of an AC shoulder joint separation include:

• Immediate pain after injury

• Pain that impacts your shoulder's range of motion

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness at the top of the shoulder

• Deformity - the outer section of the collarbone looking out of place

• Deformity - a bump on top of the shoulder.

These symptoms can vary depending on the severity of your shoulder injury. Because these symptoms are so similar to other types of shoulder injuries, it's essential to have your shoulder examined by Dr. Sterett to determine the exact cause of your pain. 

Shoulder Separation vs. Dislocation

Shoulder separations can be confused with shoulder dislocations. Both cause similar painful symptoms and affect the shoulder's range of motion. However, there are significant differences between these two injuries - including how orthopedic physicians treat them. 

Click here to read more about the differences between shoulder separation and dislocation.

How to Relieve Shoulder Pain from AC Joint Separation

The majority of shoulder separations can be treated nonsurgically. Conservative treatment can include:

• Icing

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Immobilization with a sling or brace

• Physical therapy

If there is a complete tear to either of the AC joint ligaments, Dr. Sterett may recommend surgery to repair the damage.

AC Joint Surgeon In Eagle County

If you are experiencing pain due to a shoulder injury, contact Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today!

Dr. Sterett is known throughout Colorado as the go-to shoulder surgeon for AC joint repair. Using his skill, compassion, and expertise, Dr. Sterett will diagnose your shoulder issue and recommend a treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love! Call (970) 476-7220 or complete Team Sterett's online form to request a consultation.