If you need assistance, please feel free to give me a call.
We are an out-of-network practice focused on delivering individualized, concierge-level orthopedic care.
At Plancher Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we understand how disruptive an AC joint shoulder separation can be. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who experienced a sudden fall, shoulder pain and limited motion can interfere with your lifestyle and routines. With locations in both New York and Connecticut, we offer advanced, personalized care to help restore your shoulder’s strength, comfort, and stability so you can move forward with confidence.
An AC (acromioclavicular) joint separation occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone (clavicle) to the shoulder blade (acromion) are stretched or torn, often due to a fall or direct impact. The result can be pain, loss of function, and in some cases, visible changes in the shape of the shoulder.
We use the Rockwood classification system to determine the severity of the injury:
For Grade I–III injuries, non-surgical treatment is often highly effective:
This approach allows many of our patients with a shoulder injury to regain full shoulder function without the need for surgery.
We believe in treating more than just the injury – we help reduce the risk of it happening again. Our prevention strategies include:
These programs are especially important for athletes or those recovering from mild shoulder separation in physically demanding roles.
An AC joint separation occurs when the collarbone becomes separated from the upper part of the shoulder blade, resulting from damage to the ligaments in that area. This injury can lead to pain and instability in the shoulder.
Common symptoms of AC joint separation include joint pain, shoulder pain, swelling, bruising, and a prominent bump above the shoulder.
AC joint separation is diagnosed through a thorough assessment of the injury history, a physical examination for torn ligaments, and imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. This process ensures an accurate evaluation of the condition.
Non-surgical treatment options for AC joint separation primarily involve rest, ice application, immobilization with a sling, pain management through medication, and rehabilitation through physical therapy focused on the AC ligaments. These methods aim to alleviate pain and facilitate recovery.
Surgery is necessary for AC joint separation when there are complete ligament tears, particularly in Grade III injuries that fail to improve with conservative treatment. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial in these cases to restore stability and function.
If you need assistance, please feel free to give me a call.
We are an out-of-network practice focused on delivering individualized, concierge-level orthopedic care.
