Have you experienced a shoulder injury? Do you think you could have suffered from an injury called shoulder separation?
If your shoulder is separated, you’ll require acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction. The talented and experienced orthopedic surgeons at Southwest Shoulder will help you improve your quality of life and return to what you love.
What Is
An Acromioclavicular Joint / Ligament Reconstruction?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where your collarbone or clavicle meets the top of the shoulder blade (acromion). Your acromioclavicular ligament is a robust and resilient band of tissue connecting the two bones and stabilizes your shoulder.
However, if the acromioclavicular ligament sustains damage due to stretching or tearing, it becomes painful and more challenging to do basic things like moving your arm over your head or across your body. An acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction is a procedure that repairs the damaged ligament to restore stability and movement in your shoulder.
During the procedure, your orthopedic surgeon will reattach the torn ends of the ligament, or they may replace the ligament with a graft. The graft may come from another part of your body or a donor.
Replacing the ligament with a graft or reattaching it can help relieve pain, improve shoulder function, and prevent further injury.
Am I A
Good Candidate for an Acromioclavicular Joint / Ligament Reconstruction?
Athletes, especially those who play contact sports like football and hockey or people who have fallen directly on their shoulders, are most likely to have acromioclavicular joint injuries. You’re likely to qualify for an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction if you’ve had an acromioclavicular joint sprain or a separation that hasn’t improved after trying nonsurgical treatments like resting your shoulder, icing the area that’s causing pain and physical therapy.
Other signs that may indicate you’re a good candidate for an acromioclavicular joint/ligament include:
1
Experiencing severe pain or tenderness with the acromioclavicular joint
2
Having weakness or instability in your shoulder that won’t improve
3
Finding it challenging to lift your arm above your head or move it across your body
4
Seeing a visible bump or deformity form on top of your shoulder
5
Having a clicking, catching, or popping sensation in your shoulder joint
If you’re experiencing these things, schedule an appointment at Southwest Shoulder. One of our doctors will evaluate your symptoms.
We’ll also conduct a physical exam, take X-rays, and perform other necessary imaging tests to determine if a procedure like an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction is the right fit. We will also consider factors like age, health, and activity level before determining and recommending a treatment plan.
What Will an Acromioclavicular Joint / Ligament Reconstruction Accomplish?
When you have an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction procedure, your orthopedic surgeon at Southwest Shoulder is looking to:
- Repair your damaged ligament and restore stability to your shoulder joint to allow you to move it normally
- Reduce pain and inflammation to improve your quality of life
- Increase your shoulder strength as well as your range of motion and function
- Give you the ability to return to your normal activities and routine, including sports, without pain or feeling limited
Fixing the torn ligament and putting your shoulder bones back in their correct position allows the procedure to prevent long-term problems. These can include developing arthritis, weakness, or deformity in your shoulder.
Undergoing an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction can also help you regain any confidence you may have lost and the ability to use your arm to reach, lift things, and perform other necessary daily tasks.
What Can I Expect During Acromioclavicular Joint / Ligament Reconstruction?
Acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction procedures performed at Southwest Shoulder are usually outpatient, meaning you’ll go home afterward. Patients typically require two kinds of anesthesia for this procedure.
The first is general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep while it’s performed. The second is a nerve block to numb the arm being surgically treated.
The nerve block lasts about 12-18 hours, during which time you will no longer have control of your arm. Your orthopedic surgeon will make a few incisions around your shoulder.
Then, they will insert an arthroscope, a small, flexible camera, to see inside the joint. After making the incisions, they will use instruments to remove damaged tissue, realign your bones, and reattach the torn ligament.
This can be done with a graft from another part of your body, called an autograft, or with a donor, called an allograft, to replace your damaged ligament. They may do this using stitches, anchors, or screws.
The procedure usually takes about an hour or two to complete. However, the time it takes to perform an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction can depend on the severity of the damage and what kind of repair is necessary.
Once the procedure is complete, your shoulder will be bandaged and placed in a sling. This will keep it still and in place and protect it while it heals.
What is Recovery Like After Acromioclavicular Joint / Ligament Reconstruction?
Recovery usually takes several months after an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction procedure. However, this can vary and depends on factors like the severity of the injury and the procedure performed.
You’ll need to rest your shoulder for several weeks and avoid activities that may strain or injure it. Your Southwest Shoulder physician will instruct you on caring for your shoulder and managing any pain and swelling you experience.
They’ll have you begin gentle range-of-motion exercises. You’ll likely be required to wear a sling for 4-6 weeks to give your arm adequate support while immobilizing it during healing.
As your shoulder heals and strengthens, you can progress to more intense and active physical therapy exercises. These will help improve your strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Your physical therapist will help you gradually increase the intensity and difficulty of the exercises so you can safely return to your usual routine, including any athletic activities and sports. You should be able to return to light tasks and daily work a few weeks after the procedure.
However, it can take about 3-6 months before recovery is complete, and you can participate in contact sports or high-demand jobs. Follow all instructions from your physical therapist and your Southwest Shoulder doctor to achieve the most optimal results possible and avoid reinjuring your shoulder or the possibility of complications.
Ready to Get Started?
Do you think you may need an acromioclavicular joint/ligament reconstruction? Learn more about this procedure by requesting an appointment at Southwest Shoulder in El Paso, TX, today!