If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an AC joint injury, you may be feeling a mix of concern and uncertainty. These injuries—whether acute from a fall or sports incident, or chronic due to wear and tear—can significantly affect your shoulder function and quality of life. Understanding your diagnosis early and exploring your treatment options can make a huge difference in recovery and long-term shoulder health.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for AC joint injuries, with a special focus on Arthroscopic vs. Open AC Joint Repair/Reconstruction, helping you feel informed and confident about the next steps.
General Points
What Are AC Joint Injuries (Acute or Chronic)?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located at the top of your shoulder, where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). It plays an essential role in shoulder movement, stability, and overall upper-body function.
AC joint injuries occur when this joint is stressed, either suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic):
- Acute injuries usually result from a fall directly onto the shoulder, sports collisions, or accidents.
- Chronic injuries develop over time due to repetitive stress, degenerative changes, or arthritis.
Recognizing the injury early is important because untreated AC joint damage can lead to persistent pain, shoulder weakness, and reduced range of motion.
Symptoms of AC Joint Injuries
The symptoms of an AC joint injury can vary depending on severity, but most patients notice some combination of the following:
- Pain at the top of the shoulder, often worsening with overhead activities or lifting.
- Visible bump or swelling over the AC joint in acute injuries.
- Tenderness to touch along the joint line.
- Reduced range of motion or difficulty performing daily tasks like reaching overhead or behind the back.
- Shoulder weakness or instability, particularly in chronic injuries.
If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek evaluation by an orthopedic specialist to prevent long-term complications.
How AC Joint Injuries Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing an AC joint injury typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging:
Physical Exam:
- Your doctor will assess tenderness, swelling, and any abnormal mobility in the AC joint.
- Specific tests may be performed to evaluate ligament stability and pain with shoulder movement.
Imaging Studies
- X-rays help identify fractures, joint separation, or degenerative changes.
- MRI may be recommended in chronic or complex cases to evaluate soft tissues, ligaments, and cartilage.
A thorough diagnosis allows your orthopedic specialist to determine whether non-surgical care is appropriate or if surgical intervention is needed.
Treatment Options for AC Joint Injuries
Non-Surgical Treatments
Not all AC joint injuries require surgery. Mild to moderate injuries are often managed conservatively with:
- Rest and activity modification to avoid movements that aggravate the joint.
- Ice or heat therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy focused on strengthening shoulder muscles and improving range of motion.
- Anti-inflammatory medications for short-term pain relief.
While these approaches can be effective for many patients, severe acute injuries or chronic degenerative AC joint problems may benefit more from surgical repair or reconstruction.
Arthroscopic vs. Open AC Joint Repair/Reconstruction
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgical intervention may be recommended to restore joint stability, reduce pain, and improve shoulder function. Two main approaches are used: arthroscopic and open AC joint repair/reconstruction.
How It Works
Arthroscopic AC Joint Repair:
- Performed using small incisions and a tiny camera (arthroscope).
- Allows the surgeon to precisely repair damaged ligaments, remove bone spurs, and reconstruct the joint with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
- Often involves using specialized devices to stabilize the clavicle.
Open AC Joint Reconstruction:
- Involves a slightly larger incision to directly access the AC joint.
- Allows for reconstruction of torn ligaments and restoration of joint alignment, sometimes using grafts from your own tissue or synthetic materials.
Both procedures aim to restore shoulder stability, reduce pain, and prevent future joint degeneration.
When Surgery Is Recommended
Surgical repair is typically considered when:
- The AC joint injury is severe or high-grade, with visible displacement of the collarbone.
- Chronic pain or instability persists despite conservative therapy.
- The patient is physically active or has high demands on the shoulder for work or sports.
Benefits and Success Rates
- Arthroscopic repair offers smaller incisions, less soft tissue trauma, and faster early recovery.
- Open reconstruction may provide robust repair in complex cases or when tissue quality is poor.
- Success rates for both approaches are high, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief, improved strength, and restoration of shoulder function. Studies show that 85–95% of patients achieve excellent long-term outcomes when treated by an experienced orthopedic specialist.
Take Action for Your Shoulder Health
AC joint injuries can be painful and limit your daily activities, but with expert evaluation and modern surgical techniques, most patients regain strength, stability, and confidence in their shoulder.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, reduced motion, or instability, consult an experienced orthopedic specialist who can guide you through the best treatment options, including Arthroscopic vs. Open AC Joint Repair/Reconstruction. Early intervention and expert care give you the best chance for a full, lasting recovery and a return to the activities you love.
Don’t wait—schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward a healthy, pain-free shoulder.
