Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of an AC joint injury? icon plus

  Symptoms may include:

  • pain on the top of the shoulder which is exacerbated by heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and cross-body movements
  • swelling and/or bruising
  • restriction in your shoulder movements
  • if your collar bone (clavicle) is displaced a lump may be visible on top of your shoulder

• How are AC joint injuries diagnosed? icon plus

  AC joint injuries are graded by severity from Grade I (minimal joint disruption) to Grade VI (severe injury).

  Your consultant will perform a physical examination of your shoulder and may conduct an X-ray or MRI to arrive at your diagnosis: These should be performed to assess the grade of injury which determines the best treatment options.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Treatment options correspond to the grades:

  • Grades I and II — no displacement. These do not require surgery and most recover with a sling and mobilisation when comfortable. Very few may require a steroid injection if it remains painful.
  • Grade III — some displacement/subluxation. This is mostly treated without surgery but surgery may be considered depending on your activity level.
  • Grades IV to VI — complete displacement. These are usually treated with surgery. This involves the use of an artificial ligament. You may be in a sling after surgery, followed by physiotherapy.