An AC injury, or injury to the acromioclavicular joint, is common in contact and collision sports. There are many ways that this injury can occur, but they involve a force to the front or outside of the shoulder with the arm beside the body.

Examples of this type of injury include a hockey player being driven into the boards and hitting his shoulder along the boards, a football player getting hit on the outside of the shoulder, or an athlete falling and landing on his shoulder with his arm by his side. I often see people suffer these injuries after falling off a bike and landing on their shoulder.

In this video, I discuss the ways doctors make the diagnosis, including the exam and x-rays. I also explain non-surgical treatments and the process to regain motion and strength and return to sports. I also discuss when surgery might be necessary.

Also read:
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery: What you need to know
Also read:
Shoulder separations

X-ray of Type V AC injury

 

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