AC Joint Injury By Eric Hunter

Causes of AC Joint Injury Athletes that suffer AC Joint Injuries – Football players, Soccer players, mountain biking, wrestlers, etc… Mechanism of injury – Falling on the tip of the shoulder – FOOSH

AC Joint Injury Signs and Symptoms Pain Point tenderness Arm hanging to side Deformity Laxity

AC Joint Anatomy

AC Joint Injury

AC Joint Evaluation Sulcus Sgin – Patient sits with arm hanging to the side. – Apply an inferior force to arm and look for separation of the acromion from the clavicle.

AC Joint Evaluation Cont. Piano Key Sign – Apply downward pressure to the distal clavicle looking for depression when the pressure is applied and then elevation when the pressure is released. Horizontal ADD – Have the patient actively flex the shoulder then bring the arm across the body.

Rehabilitation of AC Joint Injury Non-surgical – Grades 1 and 2 – Period of immobilization – Proceed with rehabilitation activities as tolerated ROM first until pain free then strengthening exercises Surgical – Grade 3 – Major deformity – Longer time until rehabilitation activities are started

Citation Starkey, C., Brown, S. D., & Ryan, J. L. (2009). Examination of orthopedic and athletic injuries. (3 ed.) F A Davis Co. "Shoulder Separation." American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. AAOS, Oct Web. 18 Nov