How do you treat a Grade 2 AC joint separation?
Type II — Type II injuries usually cause greater pain and swelling than type I injuries. Initial treatment may include rest, ice, pain medication, and three to seven days of shoulder immobilization in a sling. Range-of-motion exercises and stretching exercises can be started when tolerable.
How do you fix a separated AC joint?
Treatment is typically an arm sling, bed rest, ice and heat therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most people recover full motion of the shoulder and arm within 6 to 8 weeks, often with the assistance of physiotherapy. Type III – Both acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn.
Can a separated AC joint heal on its own?
The pain is relatively mild and the condition heals on its own. In Grade II cases, the AC ligament tears slightly, putting the clavicle out of alignment and resulting in a small degree of deformity. This injury takes a little longer to heal, but often requires no medical assistance.
Does a Grade 2 AC separation require surgery?
Surgery is usually not required. Grade 2—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and stretching (but not tearing) of ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). Frequently results in a small, permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint.
How painful is AC joint separation?
When those ligaments are stretched or torn they can be very painful. The injury to the ligaments in an AC separation can be mild to severe. The injuries are graded depending upon which ligaments are torn and how badly they are torn.
Is AC joint separation serious?
Tearing of the acromioclavicular ligament alone is not a serious injury, but when the coracoclavicular ligaments are ruptured, the whole shoulder unit is involved, thus complicating the dislocation.
How do you treat an AC joint separation?
The most common conditions of the acromioclavicular joint are arthritis,fractures and separations.
What is Grade 3 AC separation?
Grade III- The most severe shoulder separation. This completely tears both the AC and CC ligaments and puts the AC joint noticeably out of position, with a larger bump. SEPARATED SHOULDER SYMPTOMS Swelling, tenderness, or pain over/above the joint Visible bump above the shoulder Loss of strength or motion Pain when lying on one’s side
What is the treatment for AC separation?
2-4 weeks for Grade I injuries
Can AC joint separation be treated without surgery?
There are six grades assigned to AC joint separation with grades one through three representing less severe cases that can often be treated without surgery, though there are some instances when grade three AC joint separation requires surgery. Grades four through six will almost always require surgery to repair the damage.