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Contents
  • The Anatomy of the AC Joint
  • Types of Shoulder Separation
  • Common Symptoms and Diagnosis

What Exactly Is a Separated Shoulder?

What Exactly Is a Separated Shoulder?

Why It Matters

Understanding the ins and outs of acromioclavicular joint injuries can help you identify symptoms and seek proper treatment.
Contents
  • The Anatomy of the AC Joint
  • Types of Shoulder Separation
  • Common Symptoms and Diagnosis

The Anatomy of the AC Joint

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. It's held together by strong ligaments but is susceptible to injury due to its position. When these ligaments are damaged, it can lead to a 'separated shoulder,' often caused by falls or direct blows.

Types of Shoulder Separation

There are six types of AC joint injuries, ranging from mild (Type I) to severe (Type VI). Type I involves a sprain, while Type III includes complete tears of ligaments. Types IV to VI are more serious and often require surgical intervention due to extreme dislocation and potential damage to surrounding structures.
A separated shoulder is an injury to the acromioclavicular joint, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, often caused by falls or direct blows. It involves damage to the ligaments holding the joint.

Common Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of a separated shoulder include pain, swelling, and visible deformity. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays. These help determine the type and severity of the injury, which is crucial for deciding the treatment path.

FAQs

What is a separated shoulder?

It's an injury to the ligaments of the AC joint.

How is it diagnosed?

Through physical exams and X-rays.

What are common symptoms?

Pain, swelling, and shoulder deformity.

Do all types require surgery?

Only severe types (IV-VI) typically need surgery.

The Bottom Line

Recognizing the symptoms early can lead to better outcomes in treating a separated shoulder.
Talk to Doctronic to learn more about shoulder injuries and treatments.
Additional References
  1. Rockwood, CA, Williams, et al. Disorders of the AC join. In: The Shoulder, WB Saunders, Philadelphia 1998.
  2. Pallis M, Cameron KL, Svoboda SJ, Owens BD. Epidemiology of acromioclavicular joint injury in young athletes. Am J Sports Med 2012; 40:2072.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.