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Acromioclavicular Separations (Types 1–6), Sports Medicine

Anne S. Boyd, MD, FAAFP, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

  • Separation of the clavicle and acromion due to injury of the acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments

  • Classified based on radiographic findings, indicating severity of injury t...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Present following a fall on the shoulder or collision and pain at the AC joint

  • Exact mechanism of injury helpful to indicate severity of the injury and potential associated injuries

  • Ass...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Types I and II:

    • Types I and II injuries involve minimal disruption of the joint and are stable. Treatment is conservative (nonoperative) 2[A].

    • Conservative treatment includes a...

ONGOING CARE

  • If types IV to VI, refer to orthopedics.

  • Refer type III AC separations for discussion of surgical options for high-level athletes, patients refusing conservative therapy, heavy manual labo...

REFERENCES

1
Gorbaty JD, Hsu JE, Gee AO. Classifications in brief: rockwood classification of acromioclavicular joint separations. Clin Orthop Relat Res.  2017;475(1):283–287.
2
Chillemi C, Francesc...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Types I and II AC separations generally do well with conservative treatment.

  • Management of type III injuries should be made on a case-by-case basis.

  • In general, full return to contact sp...

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