AC Joint Separation

AC joint separation can cause significant shoulder pain and limit your daily activities. Our experienced orthopedic specialists at Synergy Health Partners provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans to help you regain full shoulder function and return to the activities you love.

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AC Joint Separation

Understanding AC Joint Separation

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where your collarbone meets the highest point of your shoulder blade. An AC joint separation occurs when the ligaments that hold these bones together are stretched or torn, causing the bones to move out of their normal position. This injury is commonly seen in athletes and active individuals who participate in contact sports or activities with a risk of falling.

AC joint separations are graded from Type I to Type VI based on severity, with Type I being mild ligament stretching and higher grades involving complete tears and significant displacement. While some separations heal well with conservative treatment, others may require surgical intervention to restore proper shoulder mechanics and function.

At Synergy Health Partners, our board-certified orthopedic specialists have extensive experience treating AC joint separations of all grades. We provide comprehensive care from initial diagnosis through complete recovery, helping you return to your active lifestyle.

Common Symptoms

AC joint separation symptoms can vary depending on the severity of your injury, but typically include:

  • Sharp pain at the top of your shoulder, especially when moving your arm
  • Visible bump or deformity where your collarbone meets your shoulder
  • Swelling and tenderness over the AC joint
  • Pain when lying on the affected side
  • Weakness when lifting your arm overhead
  • Pain that worsens with cross-body movements
  • Limited range of motion in your shoulder

Causes & Risk Factors

AC joint separations typically result from direct trauma to the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm. Common causes include:

  • Direct blow to the shoulder during contact sports
  • Falls onto the shoulder while cycling, skiing, or skateboarding
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls from height onto an outstretched arm

Risk factors include participation in contact sports like football, hockey, or rugby, activities with fall risk such as cycling or skiing, and occupations involving overhead work or manual labor. Men between ages 20-30 experience AC joint separations most frequently due to higher participation in contact sports.

Diagnosis

At Synergy Health Partners, our orthopedic specialists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose AC joint separation. Your evaluation begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination, where we assess your shoulder’s range of motion, stability, and pain response to specific movements.

Diagnostic imaging typically includes X-rays taken with and without weights to evaluate the degree of separation. In some cases, we may recommend MRI to assess soft tissue damage or CT scans for complex cases. Our specialists use the Rockwood classification system to grade your injury from Type I through Type VI, which helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

When to See a Doctor

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe shoulder pain following a fall or direct blow
  • Visible deformity or bump at the top of your shoulder
  • Inability to move your arm or lift objects
  • Numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
  • Signs of infection such as fever, increased warmth, or redness

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s important to have your shoulder evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and help ensure the best possible outcome for your recovery.

Why Synergy Health for AC Joint Separation?

Our comprehensive approach combines advanced diagnostics with personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific injury grade and activity goals.
  • Board-certified orthopedic specialists with extensive shoulder injury experience
  • Advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities on-site
  • Complete range of treatment options from conservative care to advanced surgery
  • Integrated physical therapy and rehabilitation services under one roof

Treatment Options

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Our specialists offer both non-surgical treatments like immobilization and physical therapy, as well as advanced surgical options including arthroscopic and open reconstruction techniques, all tailored to your specific injury grade and lifestyle needs.

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YOUR FASTEST PATH TO SHOULDER RECOVERY

Why Choose Synergy?

Our coordinated care model ensures seamless treatment from diagnosis through complete recovery, with all specialists and services conveniently located under one roof.
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Patient satisfaction with AC joint treatment outcomes

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Return to full activity after treatment

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Successful conservative treatment for Type I-II injuries

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Data Source: CODE Technology PRO Surveys (2025).