AC Joint Injury

An AC joint injury refers to an injury involving the acromioclavicular joint, which is located at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the acromion process of the shoulder blade (scapula). The AC joint is held together by ligaments and is responsible for maintaining stability and facilitating movement in the shoulder.

AC joint injuries are commonly caused by falls or direct blows to the shoulder, such as during contact sports or accidents. The severity of an AC joint injury can range from a mild sprain to a complete dislocation of the joint. The most common types of AC joint injuries include:

1. AC Sprain: This is the mildest form of AC joint injury and involves stretching or partial tearing of the ligaments that connect the collarbone and shoulder blade. It is graded on a scale from I to II, with grade I being a mild sprain.
2. AC Joint Separation: AC joint separation refers to the damage or rupture of the ligaments connecting the collarbone and shoulder blade, resulting in a visible deformity or bump at the top of the shoulder. It is often graded on a scale from III to VI, with higher grades indicating more severe ligament damage and joint displacement.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an AC joint injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries may only cause mild pain and swelling, while more severe injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and deformity. Other symptoms of an AC joint injury may include:

• Limited Range of Motion: Disruptions of the stabilising ligmanets of the AC joint can lead abnormal scapular movement. You may have  limited range of motion in the shoulder and find it challenging to raise the arm or perform certain movements without discomfort.
• Sensation of Instability: In severe AC joint separations, the shoulder may feel unstable or loose, and the clavicle may appear visibly higher than usual, especially with cross-body and overhead movement.