Shoulder with normal Acromion-Clavicle joint

Overview of AC Joint Injury (Shoulder)

Acromioclavicular joint is located at tip of shoulder formed between outer end of clavicle and acromion process (superior bony projection from scapula blade).

  • Pain over top of shoulder may be.
  • Associated with local bruise, swelling and deformity (tenting of lateral aspect of clavicle over skin).
  • Pain increases with pressure on tip of shoulder.
  • Physical examination of the shoulder by Dr. Abhijit  Ranaware.

  • X rays: Series of x-rays are needed to confirmed AC joint separation and to grade severity of injury. X-ray can also help to rule out any additional injuries to the bone, such as a fracture of the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle).
    Shoulder x-ray showing separated AC joint
  • MRI scan:  Rarely MRI is required to check for  associated injury to supporting structure of Shoulder such are Labrum or Rotator cuff  tear
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Do you have sustained trauma leading to AC joint Separation?

You can consult Dr. Abhijit Ranaware (Knee and sports injury Specialist)

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Condition of AC Joint Injury

Collar bone (clavicle) is held together with scapula by horizontal and vertical strong ligaments arising from coracoid (anterior bony projection from scapula blade). So the clavicle is an important connecting bone transferring, forces from upper limb to axial skeleton.

How does AC joint separation occur?

AC joint injury or separation is caused by direct hit to top of shoulder or severe traction force to upper limb.

  • Direct Fall on Tip of Shoulder.
  • Fall of Heavy Object.
  • Contact Sports.

AC joint injury is classified as per severity of separation of bones forming joint, grading from I to VI.

Separated AC joint