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Expert Care for Acromioclavicular Joint Separation—Get Relief & Get Moving Again

If a Acromioclavicular Joint Separation (AC Dislocation) is limiting your life, our specialists at Elite Ortho are here to help you recover faster with personalized treatment and compassionate care.

Orthopedic Service

Acromioclavicular Joint Separation (AC Dislocation)

The acromioclavicular joint (AC) is at the top of the shoulder and is the connection of the shoulder blade (scapula) at the acromion and the collar bone (clavicle). This joint allows for some small motion to assist in arm motion.

Injuries to the AC joint occur in two ways-a direct blow while the arm is away from the body such as in a fall or tackle or from a fall on an outstretched arm. This can result in a sprain or tear of the ligaments in this location.

rotator cuff
What Causes a Acromioclavicular Joint Separation?

Those with an AC joint separation will notice a bump at the tip of the shoulder and pain at this site with arm motion especially across the body. X-rays will show a separation of the bones at this location.

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Don’t Wait—Get Relief from Shoulder Pain Today

Our orthopedic experts at Elite Ortho are here to help you regain comfort, strength, and confidence in your body. Whether you need a personalized recovery plan or advanced surgical care, we’ll guide you every step of the way—with compassion and skill.

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Evaluation & Treatment

How We Diagnose Acromioclavicular Joint Separation

Evaluation of the AC joint begins with a history of the injury, physical examination and X-rays to evaluate the extent and any associated injuries. MRI or CT scans are not routinely needed.

AC joint injuries are classified based on degree of separation and direction. 

Nonsurgical

Treatment is dependent on activity level and grade of separation. A majority of sprains and separations can be treated with activity modification, sling, rest, and ice. Large separations, those who perform overhead or repetitive activities, or have continued pain despite treatment with small sprains may be best treated surgically.

Surgical

Surgery is done as an outpatient and is done to realign the joint. In the acute setting this can be done with suture, while in the chronic setting this requires biologic augmentation.

Recovery time typically ranges from one to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and whether surgical intervention is required.

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Why Choose Elite Ortho?

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Board-Certified Surgeons

Nationally recognized, specialty-trained experts in orthopedic care.

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20+ Years of Experience

Every doctor brings over a decade of hands-on success.

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Real stories from real patients across Maryland.

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Advanced Orthopedic Technology

From nano arthroscopy to internal brace repair—we use the best tools available.

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Full-Spectrum Orthopedic Services

Surgical and non-surgical treatment for bones, joints, injuries, and pain.

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Ethical, Compassionate Care

We treat every patient like family, with honesty and empathy.

Our Specialists

Meet Our Orthopedic Specialists

Our practice is home to a team of expertly trained surgical and sports medicine specialists who are dedicated to providing high quality evidence-based medical care in a private practice setting with a personal touch. Our doctors have trained at some of the most prestigious academic medical centers in the nation.

We treat all musculoskeletal conditions including, but not limited to, injuries related to sports, accidents, or work, injuries involving shoulders, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, ankles, concussion as well as arthritis, and back problems.

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