What Is an AC Joint Separation Repair and Why Is It Performed?

Your AC joint is easily identifiable as the "bump" on top of your shoulder joint. When this joint is injured due to trauma from a fall or collision, your collarbone may separate from your shoulder blade. AC joint injuries are graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with Grade 1 injuries being the least severe and Grade 3 injuries indicating a complete tear of the shoulder ligaments.

While less severe cases may be treatable through non-surgical methods, patients experiencing persistent pain or deformity will likely require an AC joint separation repair procedure. AC joint repair generally becomes necessary when the ligaments supporting this joint, especially the coracoclavicular (CC) and coracoacromial (CA) ligaments, are severely damaged.

AC joint surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to restore the joint's normal function, reduce pain, and correct visible deformities. Fortunately, the success rate for AC joint surgeries is generally high, with a significant proportion of patients returning to their pre-injury level of sports participation within a few years of their procedure.

Preparing for Your AC Joint Separation Repair

There are a few things you should know when preparing for an AC joint surgery, and several key steps you must take to help ensure a successful procedure and recovery. Those include:

• Medical review: It's crucial to discuss your complete medical history, allergies, medications, and any bleeding disorders with your doctor. Women should also inform their doctor if they are pregnant.

• Pre-surgical instructions: You'll be instructed to fast, typically after midnight before the surgery day. You will also be asked to avoid certain medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatories before your surgery to prevent blood clotting issues.

• Adjustments for surgery on dominant arm: If the procedure is on your dominant arm, practice using your non-dominant hand for daily activities, as your dominant arm will be in a sling post-surgery.

• Personal care considerations: Women might need to plan for not wearing a bra for some time post-surgery, as straps can affect the surgical site. Also, consider pre-surgery personal care like armpit shaving, since it might be challenging after your procedure.

• Anesthesia prep: You will be given anesthesia for the surgery, and your physician will make a small incision to access the AC joint during this minimally invasive procedure. Before your procedure, your physician will discuss the specific anesthesia being used and other important details.

• Post-operative care: Make sure you are familiar with your post-operative care plan, including any accommodations you might need to make around your house, your schedule for physical therapy, and any other recommendations geared toward a successful and speedy recovery.

What Happens During an AC Joint Surgery?

AC Joint Separation Repair is a sophisticated surgical process, and the specific techniques used can vary depending on the nature of your injury and your physician's assessment. However, the general steps include:

• Anesthesia and incision: The procedure typically starts with general and regional anesthesia, before a small incision is made over the AC joint.

• Exposure and stabilization: The joint and the collarbone's outer end are exposed. Next, your surgeon will stabilize the joint using the technique that makes the most sense for your injury, which could include temporary screws, pins, straps, or tendon grafts.

• Ligament repair and reconstruction: Damaged ligaments are repaired or reconstructed. This reconstruction might involve sutures, tendon grafts, or synthetic materials.

• Collarbone realignment: The collarbone is realigned to its normal position, often using durable sutures or a device like a "tight-rope" between the clavicle and another bone.

• Final steps: The procedure concludes with your surgeon repairing the overlying muscles and closing your incision with sutures. Post-surgery, the joint is typically more stable, reducing pain and restoring function.

Understanding The Risks Associated With an AC Joint Separation Repair

Every medical procedure carries some level of risk of potential side effects or complications, and it's important to understand the entire picture to make an informed decision. Specifically, patients who undergo an AC joint repair surgery may experience:

• Post-surgery pain, bruising, or bleeding

• Operative site infection

• Shoulder asymmetry

• Shoulder stiffness or arthritis

• Bone irritation

• Shoulder impingement

• Nerve damage

Recovering From Your AC Joint Separation Repair Surgery

AC joint repair is a major procedure that will require several months of post-op care and attention. Your expert physician and the Resurgens care team will work closely with you to develop a recovery plan that works well for your particular circumstances.

Generally, patients should expect to wear a sling for at least 6 weeks after their procedure, and most patients will benefit from a rehabilitation program to improve their range of motion and strength in the affected shoulder. Typically, physical therapy will last for several months, and many patients are able to return to playing sports after 5-6 months.

If you're tired of living with shoulder pain and are ready to get moving again, schedule your appointment with Resurgens Orthopaedics today for a comprehensive and compassionate evaluation of your injury.