What is the recovery time for AC joint surgery?
The recovery time varies from patient to patient, but full recovery typically occurs within 6-12 weeks. A return to contact sports may require more recovery time to reduce the risk of re-injury. Some degree of protrusion at the AC joint often remains but does not require surgery.
Do AC ligaments grow back?
Or the ligaments that support your AC joint may be repaired. A ligament from another part of your body may be used to repair it. Your end result may also depend on the severity of your injury. Most people will get back all or almost all normal arm and shoulder function, but a slight deformity may remain.
When is AC joint surgery necessary?
Surgery for an AC joint injury aims to relieve pain and restore function by removing the damaged end of the clavicle bone. The more severe sub-types of shoulder separation (IV through VI) usually require surgery due to the severe displacement of the clavicle causing pain and pressure on the nearby trapezius muscle.
Which grades of AC joint injury require surgery?
Usually the joint remains sore for two to six weeks and then full return to activity is the norm. Only unstable grade III injuries and high-energy AC separations, which are often the result of motor vehicle accidents, require surgery for full recovery.
Is AC joint surgery worth it?
What are the results of AC joint surgery? Most patients get excellent pain relief with this operation, and nearly 95 percent return to their preinjury level of activity and sports. There are few complications and most patients are very satisfied with the result.
What can you not do after AC joint surgery?
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction rehab protocol
- DO NOT elevate surgical arm above 70 degrees in any plane for the first 4 weeks post-op (active/passive range of motion).
- Regular manual treatment should be conducted.
- Avoid direct palpation and mobilization on incisions/portals for 4 weeks.
What does a torn AC joint feel like?
Some of the signs and symptoms of AC injury are: Pain when lying on the involved side. Pain increases with heavy lifting or overhead and across body movements. Swelling and bruising along the shoulder. Tenderness over the AC joint.
How do you shower with AC joint separation?
Caregivers may put a clavicle strap around your shoulders to keep the collarbone in the right position. Or you may need to use a figure-of-8 bandage or sling to hold the bone together. Wear the strap or sling constantly for 6 to 8 weeks, even during sleep. You may remove the strap or sling for bathing or showering.
How do you sleep with a torn AC joint?
Give these positions a try:
- Sit in a reclined position. You may find sleeping in a reclined position more comfortable than lying flat on your back.
- Lie flat on your back with your injured arm propped up with a pillow. Using a pillow may help reduce stress and pressure on your injured side.
- Lie on your uninjured side.
How is a ligament reconstruction of the ankle done?
An ankle ligament reconstruction involves a tightening procedure of a damaged ankle ligament, most commonly the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). The surgical procedure is very successful and with the appropriate rehabilitation programme, you will be able to return to your normal independence levels quickly and safely.
How are ligaments torn in an AC joint?
With a severe separation injury, the ligaments that connect these bones are torn. The clavicle shifts out of position. In preparation for the procedure, you are anesthetized. A small incision is created to allow the surgeon to inspect your AC joint.
What’s the best way to repair torn ankle ligaments?
An anatomic reconstruction is a preferred choice and involves repairing the stretched or torn ligaments. Your surgeon may use your own tissue for reconstruction – it is known as Brostrom procedure. Sometimes, they use a cadaver tendon if your own tissue is different or too stretched out.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to ankle ligament surgery?
There are now newer non-surgical alternatives that use the patient’s own stem cells to heal the ligament by using only a precise ultrasound-guided injection. That procedure is called a Percutaneous Ankle Ligamentoplasty (PAL) procedure. We first began to perform this procedure over a decade ago and here is one of our early before and after MRIs:
