Our bodies have many moving parts connected by joints. Unfortunately, these joints can become injured by the tearing of cartilage, with shoulder injuries being especially painful. The AC joint (acromioclavicular joint) is a joint right at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone, shoulder blade, and the bones that make up the arm meet.
The shoulder socket is formed by the shoulder and collarbone. The AC joint is located at the end of the shoulder blade, between what most people call the arm bone. The AC joint is the part of the shoulder that is most “bony” and protrudes on the upper part of the collarbone. The AC joint is what allows you to raise your arm and acts as a pivot point to increase your range of motion.
AC Joint Repair Surgery
The AC joint can become separated due to a shoulder injury. Known as an AC joint separation, this is one of the most common forms of shoulder injuries, and is usually caused by a traumatic blow to the shoulder or fall onto an outstretched hand.
AC joint injuries are often seen in contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, and bicycling, and are accompanied by severe pains and numbness. These symptoms occur immediately upon the separation of the shoulder, and swelling typically occurs shortly after the separation takes place.
If you believe you have separated the AC joint in your shoulder, see Dr. Eric Millstein at Millstein Orthopedics. Dr. Millstein can determine if you are a candidate for orthopedic surgery and if you will require AC joint repair surgery. Though exercise, ice, and rest can help in reducing the discomfort and severity of symptoms after an injury, and AC joint injury requires surgery to fully repair and heal. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Millstein, orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles, by calling (310) 595-1030.
Next, read about rotator cuff repair.
