What is it?

An injury to the joint between the end of your collarbone (clavicle) and the upper part of your shoulder blade (acromion).

How does it happen?

The AC joint is usually injured during strong impact to the point of the shoulder making a tackle, being tackled to the ground or landing heavily on the point of the shoulder. This impact can push the upper part of the shoulder blade beneath the end of the collarbone. This can injure the capsule surrounding the AC joint and the ligaments that support the joint.

How does it feel?

The first sensation you feel is pain at the top of the shoulder. This pain may be strong enough to stop you from using the arm. There may be a bump or obvious deformity due to the displacement of the bones.

What should you do?

In the first 24-48 hours it is very important that the arm/ shoulder is rested and iced. Apply ice for 15-20 mins every 1-2hours. This will help control the amount of bleeding and hence swelling and help with pain. If the pain is very strong you may need to wear a sling. The team doctor may need to administer analgesic medications.

The physiotherapist will implement rehabilitation strategies for you dependent on the degree of the injury.

What NOT to do?

• Do NOT consume alcohol as this can increase bleeding and hence swelling delaying the recovery time.
• Avoid immersing the shoulder in a hot baths or shower as this may increase bleeding.

Long term effects

Most AC joints recover without complication. A deformity may remain but this does not necessarily affect function. Severe AC joint disruption can sometimes require surgical stabilization.