What is ACJ reconstruction?
ACJ reconstruction is a common procedure that is generally safe and effective in improving the stability of the shoulder, relieving pain and restoring movement following severe ACJ injury. For more minor ACJ damage, less invasive techniques will be recommended, such as immobilisation and injections.
How long does AC reconstruction surgery take?
Reconstructive shoulder surgery typically takes about two hours. Torn ligaments need to be sewn together and your collarbone may need to be repositioned in the AC joint.
What is a Grade 4 ACJ injury?
A grade 4 AC separation occurs when the clavicle is severely displaced posteriorly. It is defined as “significant” posterior displacement. The grade separation definition does not have any quantifiable distance as it is determined simply by the impression of the clinician.
Where are you cut for Acromioclavicular surgery?
Surgery involves a small incision over the top of the shoulder. The end of the collar bone is cut out because it is always damaged and the torn Coraco Clavicular ligament is replaced by an artificial ligament (made out of a strong synthetic material called Dacron or by using a tendon from another part of the body).
How long is recovery from AC joint surgery?
Time, rest and gradual rehabilitation typically result in a shoulder free of pain and functional limitations. The recovery time varies from patient to patient, but full recovery typically occurs within 6-12 weeks.
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 you not do after AC joint surgery?
Care/Rehabilitation After Surgery
Other than dressing, showering and periodic elbow stretching, the sling must remain on in the weeks following surgery. No active reaching or lifting with the arm is permitted for up to two months after the surgery.
Is a Grade 5 AC?
Grade 5—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle), and the end of the collar bone (clavicle) tears through the muscle covering (fascia) above it. Results in a large, permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint.
Does a Grade 3 AC joint separation need surgery?
Treatment of AC separation depends on the severity of the injury. Shoulder injuries Grades I and II usually do not require surgery, while a Grade III injury can require surgical repair if the injury does not heal properly with other treatments.
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.
Is the AC joint surgery a major surgery?
The AC joint is one of the few joints in the body that you can live without a portion of the bone making up the joint. The surgery can be done through a small incision about 1-inch long, or it can be done with several small incisions using an arthroscopic technique.
How long do you wear a sling after AC joint surgery?
You will need to wear your sling for four weeks after keyhole surgery, but must wear the sling for 6 weeks after open repair (to allow your deltoid muscle to heal) . You may take down any bulky padded dressings on day 3 after surgery, but keep the waterproof dressings on for 12 days.
How much does AC joint surgery cost?
The literature reports costs for arthroscopic subacromial decompressions to be at $7246 per patient [27] and for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs to be at $8985 per patient [28]. Costs for arthroscopic suture button AC joint reconstructions would likely be within the same price range [27].
Is AC joint separation surgery painful?
When those ligaments are stretched or torn they can be very painful. The injury to the ligaments in an AC separation can be mild to severe. The injuries are graded depending upon which ligaments are torn and how badly they are torn.
How long does pain last after AC joint surgery?
Time, rest and gradual rehabilitation typically result in a shoulder free of pain and functional limitations. 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.
Will my AC joint ever heal?
It takes about four to six weeks to get complete motion and a few more weeks to begin regaining strength. Recovery is variable depending upon many factors but most patients are back to full activity by three months.
What does AC joint pain feel like?
Symptoms of AC arthritis
Pain at the top of the shoulder that may spread to the side of the neck. Snapping or clicking sound as you move your shoulder. Limited range of motion, such as when lifting up your arm.
How painful is a Grade 3 AC separation?
Grade 3—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). Causes a mild to moderate permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint. Pain typically lasts 4-8 weeks.