What is an AC joint injury?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is found at the top of the shoulder where the collarbone meets the acromion process of the shoulder. This joint is stabilized by several ligaments including the coracoclavicular (CC) and coracoacromial (CA) ligaments that attach the collarbone (clavicle) to the shoulder blade. These ligaments and the entire joint can be damaged or separated (shoulder separation) after blunt trauma to the shoulder or upper arm. These injuries can range in severity from minor sprains to torn ligaments and complete separation of the collarbone from the acromion process. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have experienced an AC joint injury.
What is the treatment for an AC joint injury?
AC joint injuries are classified based on the severity of the injury to the joint and ligaments. This scale ranges from Grade 1 injuries that include minor sprains to Grade 6 injuries that include tearing of ligaments and separation of the joint. Minor injuries such as grades 1-3 typically are treated through conservative non-surgical methods. Injuries grades 4-6 may require surgery to repair or reconstruct the damaged joint components and restore full function of the joint. When this is required, Dr. Lamplot prefers to perform an arthroscopic-assisted AC reconstruction to treat these severe injuries.
How is an arthroscopic-assisted AC reconstruction done?
Arthroscopic-assisted AC reconstruction surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small surgical camera and tools inserted through small incisions into the joint. This technique is preferred because it may decrease the chances of complications such as infections and blood loss. During the arthroscopic AC reconstruction, Dr. Lamplot will use a tendon graft (allograft) to reconstruct torn ligament to restore stability to the AC joint. The tissue graft will be inserted by looping it around a hook in the front of the scapula (shoulder blade) called the coracoid and fastening it to the collarbone using strong surgical stitches (sutures). A surgical button may also be used to hold the graft in place. Arthroscopic AC reconstruction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, where the patient will return home the same day the surgery is performed. Overnight stays in the hospital for close monitoring and advanced pain management are typically not required.
What is the recovery like after arthroscopic-assisted AC reconstruction?
Immediately following an arthroscopic AC reconstruction procedure, patients will need to wear an arm sling to immobilize the arm and allow the surgical site to begin to heal. The shoulder sling will be needed for approximately 3 to 4 weeks following the surgery. At this time patients will begin physical therapy to gain strength and increase the range of motion of their shoulder. A sling may be used periodically during this time in order to immobilize and protect the healing injury. Full recovery and return to normal activities can be expected to be achieved after approximately 4 to 5 months.
AC Joint Reconstruction Surgeon
Severe AC joint injuries can cause extreme pain, resulting from the separation of the acromion and the clavicle in the shoulder. If the ligaments and tendons have been injured, an AC joint reconstruction may be necessary to restore the function of the shoulder. AC joint reconstruction specialist, Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides arthroscopic-assisted ac joint reconstruction for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!
