Verified By Apollo Doctors November 29, 2023
A separated shoulder is also known as AC joint separation. The AC joint connects the collarbone and the shoulder blade, which get held together by the AC (acromioclavicular) and the CC (coracoclavicular) ligaments.
Any injury to the AC and CC ligaments leads to shoulder separation. This blog contains everything you should know about a separated shoulder – types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
A separated shoulder happens due to an injury to the ligaments connecting the shoulder blade and collar bone. This injury may cause the ligaments to stretch beyond the normal or tear the ligaments in severe cases.
The severe cases may cause a permanent deformity in the shoulder, but it doesn’t damage the main ball-and-socket joint. It mostly does not need any surgery and gets well with rest and supportive care .
There are three types of shoulder separation.
There are three other types of shoulder separation – type IV, V, and VI. These are more severe forms of type III and may cause numb fingers, weak muscles, shoulder deformities, in addition to other symptoms.
The ultimate cause of shoulder separation is a forceful hit or direct fall onto your shoulder. Usual causes include sports injuries and car accidents.
Various symptoms of a separated shoulder include –
Contact the doctor if you experience continuous pain in the shoulder or you observe a bump at the end of your collarbone. If symptoms persist, please,
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Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
The treatment options may vary depending on the type of shoulder separation. Types I and II shoulder separation can be treated using conservative ways. Type III may get treated by a sling or physical therapy, or it may require surgery depending on the severity. However, types IV, V, and VI require surgery to stabilize injured bones.
Please note that consulting a doctor before taking any medicines or therapies is necessary.
A separated shoulder may or may not cause a permanent shoulder deformity. Depending on the type of shoulder separation, your doctor may recommend suitable treatment options. Some cases of shoulder separation are mild and can get treated using a sling and physical therapy. However, there are a few cases when surgery might be the only option.
No. However, it is helpful to be aware of the factors that increase the chances of shoulder injuries. These may include heavy lifting, accidents, sports involving collisions, and excessive manual labor.
Yes, the complications can include:
Patients with mild shoulder separation often recover within a week. But, some severe cases may require as long as 12 weeks for recovery.
A separated shoulder occurs at the top of the shoulder and doesn’t involve the ball-and-socket joint. A dislocated shoulder is a more severe condition as it affects the shoulder joint as well.
Physical examination, MRIs, and X-rays can confirm the diagnosis. In many people with type I or type II shoulder separation, the X-rays are normal. However, a visible shoulder bump may indicate the problem.
At Apollo, we believe that easily accessible, reliable health information can make managing health conditions an empowering experience. Apollo Hospitals Online Health Library team consists of medical experts who create curated peer-reviewed medical content that is regularly updated and is easy-to-understand.
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