Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation

One of the most frequent injuries in the consultations of shoulder traumatologists is acromioclavicular dislocation, caused by direct trauma to the shoulder or indirect trauma to the elbow or hand. In this post we talk about the symptoms, causes and the most appropriate treatment for acromioclavicular dislocations. Stay reading.

What is acromioclavicular sprain?

The acromioclavicular sprain or acromioclavicular dislocation This is an injury, generally traumatic, to the joint forced by the farthest part of the clavicle and the acromion that is part of the scapula.

This joint is reinforced by a series of ligaments, which are known as the coracoclavicular ligaments and the acromioclavicular scapula, so they suffer a tear, whether of a greater or lesser degree. In the most severe cases, it affects the ligaments that insert into the clavicle and the coracoid process. He I follow the key It is the name given when a clavicle dislocation breaks the coracoclavicular ligament.

Acromioclavicular dislocation appears more frequently in athletes who are exposed to certain risky activities, and it is not very common for it to be present in people of advanced age.

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Types of acromioclavicular injuries

According to Roockwood classification, various types of acromioclavicular dislocations can be differentiated.

• In type I acromioclavicular dislocation, the shoulder does not present any deformity, only pain is present in it, although late calcifications or osteophytes can be seen in the joint.
• When there is a rupture of the joint capsule and damage to the coracoclavicular ligaments, it is called type II. The pain in the shoulder is more intense and the injury is potentially unstable.
• A type III acromioclavicular injury is more severe and the coracoclavicular ligaments are fragmented, producing a large deformity of the shoulder joint.
• In a type IV dislocation, the clavicle is displaced posteriorly and the end is inserted into the trapezius.
• In type V acromioclavicular dislocations, there is damage to all the capsular structures, the ligaments, deltoids and trapezius.
• Type VI is a rare dislocation, which can occur by a mechanism combined with forced abduction.

Causes of acromioclavicular injury

The most common cause of an acromioclavicular dislocation is falls with direct trauma, such as falls on a bicycle or motorcycle, in certain sports, especially contact sports such as football, rugby or judo, and also in different work activities.

Symptoms of acromioclavicular sprain

The initial symptoms of acromioclavicular dislocation are pain and, to a greater or lesser extent, the presence of a deformity of this joint, with the respective elevation of the scapula. Patients with a acromioclavicular dislocation suffer from certain functional limitations in the shoulder.

Diagnosis and treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation

Acromioclavicular injuries can be confirmed with the key sign, when when you squeeze the clavicle, it is reduced and when you release it, it moves again.

The diagnosis of this injury is usually completed with complementary tests such as x-rays, MRIs or CT scans. In the most severe cases, generally type V and VI, it will be important to rule out associated neurovascular alterations.

Acromioclavicular sprain treatment

The treatment of these pathologies will be determined depending on the type of acromioclavicular dislocation. In less severe cases, res generally recommends orthopedic and conservative treatment, with the use of a sling, medication such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories, the application of ice and physiotherapy treatment.

In the most severe types of dislocation, such as type IV, V and VI, reconstructive surgery is usually indicated to repair the affected muscles and ligaments, the objective of which is to recover the strength and mobility of the joint, as well as to reduce pain. Of the same.

At Clínica Elgeadi we have a team of traumatologists who are experts in shoulder injuries with the latest developments in technology to ensure that shoulder recovery is effective. Shoulder arthroscopy is one of the most innovative techniques to treat trauma injuries of the shoulder.. With it, minimal damage to the patient's tissues is achieved and recovery times are shortened, making it one of the best options in the branch of traumatology. Through small incisions in the patient's skin of about 2-3 millimeters, an arthroscopic shoulder repair is performed.

For shoulder injuries, such as the case of the dislocation that has been discussed during the post, it is always recommended to go to a shoulder specialist so that you can entrust this pathology through a diagnosis and a complete study of the area. If you have a trauma injury, do not hesitate to contact us and make an appointment with our traumatology experts in Madrid. Our team will look forward to helping you and starting a pain-free life.