What is a Type 3 AC separation?
A type III separation involves injury to both the AC joint ligaments the CC ligaments. This results in complete separation between the acromion and clavicle, and treatment for this type is controversial.
What is a Grade 3 separation?
Grade III- The most severe shoulder separation. This completely tears both the AC and CC ligaments and puts the AC joint noticeably out of position, with a larger bump.
What is a Grade 3 AC joint injury?
A grade 3 injury involves the complete rupture of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. The bump visible in a grade 2 tear is even more pronounced in a grade 3 injury due to complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint.
How painful is a Grade 3 AC separation?
Grade 3—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). Causes a mild to moderate permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint. Pain typically lasts 4-8 weeks.
How long does Grade 3 AC separation take to heal?
The patient is allowed to return to sports when there is full and painless range of motion, no more tenderness when the AC joint is touched, and manual traction does not cause pain. This usually takes about 2 weeks for a grade I injury, 6 weeks for a grade II injury, and up to 12 weeks for a grade III injury.
What is Grade 5 shoulder separation?
A grade 5 AC Joint Separation occurs when the clavicle is severely displaced superiorly. It represents the most severe type of AC joint injury. The separation between the clavicle and the coracoid part of the scapula has to more than 100% (more than double) the normal side in order to fit the x-ray definition of a type 5 joint separation.
What are symptoms of AC separation?
The symptoms of an AC separation vary, according to the severity of the condition. Symptoms can include: Pain at the top of the shoulder, especially when moving the arm overhead, or while sleeping on the injured shoulder. The appearance of a bump on top of the shoulder blade. Weakness or instability in the arm or shoulder.
What is an AC separation type 3?
A type III separation involves injury to both the AC joint ligaments the CC ligaments. This results in complete separation between the acromion and clavicle, and treatment for this type is controversial. Some authors have reported good results with non-operative treatment of type III injuries.
What are the types of AC separation?
There are several types of acromioclavicular (AC) separations. Low grade injuries (Type I and II) involve limited injury to the AC joint only and should be managed conservatively. In contrast, high grade injuries (Type IV, V, and VI) involve injury to the AC joint,…