Shoulder separation, also known as acromioclavicular joint separation or AC joint separation, is when the ligament that connects the collarbone and shoulder blade suffers a tear. This can occur from a sports or vehicular accident. Anyone can develop this injury, and seeking medical advice is very important. The shoulder is one of the most used joints in the body, and an injury to it can severely limit an individual.
Symptoms of a Shoulder Separation
A shoulder separation is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness around the AC joint, which is located at the top of the shoulder. The affected shoulder may also appear visibly deformed or elevated compared to the unaffected side, since the torn ligaments can cause the shoulder blade to move downward, causing the top part of the collarbone to protrude.
Available Treatment Options
In most cases, a shoulder separation can heal on its own without surgery. The patient needs to wear a shoulder sling to minimize excessive movement and encourage proper healing of the shoulder. Pain can be managed effectively using over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. Cold therapy is also helpful in relieving symptoms. An ice pack placed against the shoulder can reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy is also critical to healing a shoulder separation. The ligaments and muscles should be strengthened only when the soft tissues have healed. Check with a licensed physical therapist before starting any physical therapy exercise that targets the shoulder.
Shoulder surgery may be recommended if the shoulder separation injury is severe. The only way to determine the severity of the injury is to seek out the advice of an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in shoulder treatments. These doctors are called upper extremity surgeons, or hand surgeons.
The Benefits of Seeking Medical Advice
A hand surgeon has received advanced training in the treatment of upper extremity conditions. As a patient with a shoulder separation injury, you can receive a quick and accurate diagnosis of your condition and specialized treatment with their help. A hand surgeon can create an individualized treatment program that may or may not include shoulder surgery. Surgery to treat a shoulder separation may involve shaving the collarbone or reattaching torn ligaments to the underside of the collarbone. You can trust that an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in hand and shoulder surgery is qualified to perform minimally invasive and cutting-edge procedures.
An accurate diagnosis and proper treatment get you closer to making a full recovery from a shoulder separation. A wrong diagnosis prevents you from returning to your previous level of function in as short a time as possible.
Fellowship-Trained Hand and Shoulder Surgeon in Lutherville, Maryland
The board-certified and fellowship-trained hand surgeons at Maryland shoulder surgeons focus on treating patients with shoulder pain and injuries. We can treat even the most complex shoulder conditions with non-surgical and surgical methods and have maintained a reputation for excellence in our treatments and level of service. Our doctors perform shoulder surgery at our Lutherville SurgiCenter, an ambulatory surgical center conveniently located right across the hall from our office in Lutherville.
Get a definitive diagnosis for shoulder separation and find out what treatment program is best for you. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (410) 296-6232 or use our convenient online form.
