A shoulder separation is a tearing of the ligaments that connect two bones of the shoulder—the collarbone (clavicle) and the end of the shoulder blade (acromion). The ligaments can be partially or completely torn. This is usually caused by a blow to the top of the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm.
Shoulder injuries can be slow to heal, but with time and effort, your shoulder should get better. Physical therapy can help you regain strength, motion, and flexibility in your shoulder.
A shoulder separation (acromioclavicular joint injury) occurs when the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle) separates from the end (acromion) of the shoulder blade because of torn ligaments. This injury occurs most often from a blow to the top of the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder.
Signs and symptoms of a separated shoulder include:
Treatment may include applying ice and keeping the shoulder still (immobilized) with a sling or wrap. Medicine to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling may be used. Early physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder and get range of motion back is important. It helps with recovery and helps prevent frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). Normal exercises and activities can be done as the pain and other symptoms go away. Sometimes surgery may be needed to repair torn ligaments.
Healing may take 2 to 10 weeks depending on how bad the injury is.
Symptoms of a shoulder separation include pain when the injury occurs. Limited shoulder movement as well as swelling and bruising may follow. The small joint over the shoulder may be tender. A deformity is possible at the outer end of the collarbone. There may be a bump on top of the shoulder.
A shoulder separation is the partial or complete separation of two parts of the shoulder: the collarbone (clavicle) and the end (acromion) of the shoulder blade (scapula). In a type II shoulder separation, the acromioclavicular (AC) ligament is completely torn, and the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament is either partially torn or not injured.
Treatment of a shoulder separation depends on its severity. For a type I or II injury, you support your shoulder with a sling. You typically need the sling until the discomfort decreases (a few days to a week). Early physical therapy to strengthen your shoulder and regain range of motion is important for recovery and to prevent frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), a condition that limits shoulder motion . You can return to normal exercises and activities as your pain and other symptoms go away.
Treatment for type III injuries can vary. Some doctors treat them with a sling and physical therapy, while others feel surgery may be needed.
Type IV through VI injuries should be evaluated for possible surgery.
A shoulder separation is diagnosed through a medical history, a physical exam, and an X-ray. Your doctor will check for a deformity (bump), check your range of motion, and assess muscle strength. The doctor will take your pulse and look at your skin color and temperature.
A direct blow to the top of the shoulder or a fall onto the shoulder, such as a fall from a bicycle, can cause a shoulder separation.
A shoulder separation is the partial or complete separation of two parts of the shoulder. It occurs when the outer end of the collarbone (clavicle) separates from the end (acromion) of the shoulder blade because of torn ligaments. There are different types that are classified by severity.
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