The spot where the top of your shoulder blade connects to your collarbone is known as the acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint.
When you have a sprain or a tear of the ligaments that hold the AC joint together, the joint separates. This is also sometimes referred to as a shoulder separation.
An AC joint separation may make your shoulder look deformed.
Symptoms of an AC joint separation may include:
Most AC joint separations are caused by a fall. Car accidents and participation in contact sports are other common ways an AC joint can become separated.
Nonsurgical treatment includes:
After the pain goes away, exercises can help make your shoulder strong and flexible again.
Surgery may be necessary if the pain lasts a long time or your shoulder appears to be extremely deformed.
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