Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation happens due to traffic accidents or contact sports (cycling, football, martial arts). The acute and chronic treatment of AC joint dislocation varies based on the severity of the pain, functional shoulder impairment, or higher AC dislocations. Grade I is a mild shoulder injury and grade II is a partial wear and tear in the AC ligament. Grade III causes a complete rupture in the ligament whereas grades IV, V, and VI indicate higher stage of AC dislocations.
For grade I and grade II, the orthopaedic surgeon follows conservative treatment that intends to treat a patient without surgical intervention. It encompasses immobilisation with a sling, physical therapy, and rest, ensuring optimal recovery within a short time.
For grade III also, the doctor recommends a tailored non-operative treatment with top-notch medical care and attention. In some studies, researchers have observed the success rate of operative treatment yields better outcomes than non-operative treatment when the AC joint dislocation falls in the third category because it prevents the issues of pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, and a slight bulge on the joint post-treatment. Often conservative treatments gives variable results so surgery is also a recommended option, either earlier or at a later stage.
Surgery is essential to heal the AC joint dislocation of grades IV, V, and VI. The orthopaedic surgeon often recommends CC ligament reconstruction with a free tendon graft, suspensory devices, in chronic situations and synthetic ligament grafts in acute scenario. The risk-free surgery is followed by a rehabilitation program, aiding full recovery.
