How long does it take for a Grade 1 AC joint separation to heal?
This usually takes about 2 weeks for a grade I injury, 6 weeks for a grade II injury, and up to 12 weeks for a grade III injury. Surgery may be necessary for AC separations that do not respond well to non-operative treatment.
How long does it take to recover from AC joint surgery?
The recovery time varies from patient to patient, but full recovery typically occurs within 6-12 weeks. A return to contact sports may require more recovery time to reduce the risk of re-injury. Some degree of protrusion at the AC joint often remains but does not require surgery.
Is AC joint surgery worth it?
What are the results of AC joint surgery? Most patients get excellent pain relief with this operation, and nearly 95 percent return to their preinjury level of activity and sports. There are few complications and most patients are very satisfied with the result.
What can I expect after AC joint surgery?
After surgery, patients can expect to wear a sling for about four weeks and lower arm exercises may begin immediately after the two to three weeks immobilization. Most rehabilitation programs will begin after the sling is removed and will at least 6 to 8 weeks to regain full motion of the shoulder.
Will the bump from an AC separation go away?
The ligaments heal in this position, so the bump does not go away. It is possible to have surgery to correct the bump. But normal shoulder function will usually return even without surgery.
Can a separated shoulder get worse?
Leaving your AC joint injury untreated means your condition can worsen, which can have serious consequences, such as: Severe shoulder separation. Serious displacement or collarbone fracture. Arthritis in your shoulder.
What can you not do after AC joint surgery?
DO NOT elevate surgical arm above 70 degrees in any plane for the first 4 weeks post-op (active/passive range of motion). Arm sling is used for 4 weeks post-op. Regular manual treatment should be conducted. Avoid direct palpation and mobilization on incisions/portals for 4 weeks.
Can an AC joint separation get worse?
Can you make an AC separation worse?
Leaving your AC joint injury untreated means your condition can worsen, which can have serious consequences, such as: Severe shoulder separation. Serious displacement or collarbone fracture.
Do AC ligaments grow back?
Or the ligaments that support your AC joint may be repaired. A ligament from another part of your body may be used to repair it. Your end result may also depend on the severity of your injury. Most people will get back all or almost all normal arm and shoulder function, but a slight deformity may remain.
How long does it take for a separated shoulder to heal?
Most people enjoy a full recovery after conservative treatment. A minor separation usually heals within a few weeks. A more severe separation might take several weeks to months to heal. You might always have a noticeable bump on the affected shoulder, but it shouldn’t affect your ability to use that shoulder.
Will my AC joint ever heal?
Depending on how severe the injury is, it may heal adequately in two to three weeks. In severe cases, the shoulder may not heal without surgery.
Can a dislocation cause an AC joint separation?
An AC joint separation, or dislocation, in the shoulder can occur as a result of an injury. For example, our own Dr. Centeno experienced a separation of his AC joint 30 years ago in a motorcycle crash.
Which is better AC joint separation or nonsurgical surgery?
There were some major differences, however. The nonsurgical group not only had fewer infections and complications during their healing process, but they were also able to return to work faster than the group that underwent AC joint separation surgery.
What are the signs and symptoms of AC joint separation?
What are the signs and symptoms of an AC joint separation? There may be tenderness at the joint when touched. There may be some bruising around joint. There is minor pain with arm movement. There is no pain in the area of the coracoclavicular ligaments. There is moderate to severe pain at the joint. Swelling may be present.
What causes an acromioclavicular joint ( AC ) separation?
AC Separation. Overview. An acromioclavicular joint separation, or AC separation, is a very frequent injury among physically active people. In this injury the clavicle (collar bone) separates from the scapula (shoulder blade). It is commonly caused by a fall directly on the “point” of the shoulder or a direct blow received in a contact sport.