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Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are common shoulder injuries, comprising over 40% of all shoulder injuries and frequently occurring during sports, falls, or car accidents. These injuries range in severity from mild sprains to severe disruptions that can result in significant loss of shoulder strength and function. Associated complications may include clavicle fractures, impingement syndromes, and, rarely, neurovascular compromise. Thorough evaluation and management are essential to minimizing functional impairment and improving outcomes. Diagnosis often relies on clinical assessment and imaging, with treatment strategies varying from conservative management for minor injuries to surgical intervention for severe cases. This educational activity provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage AC joint injuries effectively. Participants learn to classify injury severity, interpret imaging studies, and select appropriate treatment modalities. The activity emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, radiologists, nurses, and primary care clinicians to develop comprehensive care plans. This team-based approach ensures accurate diagnosis, tailored interventions, and optimized rehabilitation strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications. Objectives: Identify the most common mechanism of injury associated with acromioclavicular joint injury. Screen patients with shoulder trauma for potential acromioclavicular joint involvement using appropriate diagnostic tools. Identify the difference between managing patients with Rockwood Classification type I to II injuries and patients with Rockwood Classification type III to VI. Strategize with the interprofessional care team to provide optimal management and counseling to improve outcomes for patients with acromioclavicular joint injuries. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Injury to the acromioclavicular joint is common among athletes and young individuals. Acromioclavicular joint injuries account for more than 40% of all shoulder injuries. Mild injuries are not associated with any significant morbidity, but severe injuries can lead to significant loss of strength and function of the shoulder. Acromioclavicular injuries may be associated with a fractured clavicle, impingement syndromes, and, more rarely, neurovascular insults.

The acromioclavicular joint is a diarthrodial joint defined by the lateral process of the clavicle articulating with the acromion process as it projects anteriorly off the scapula. The joint is primarily stabilized by the acromioclavicular ligament, composed of an anterior, posterior, inferior, and superior component. Of note, the superior portion of the acromioclavicular ligament is the most important component for the stability of the acromioclavicular joint. Supporting structures include two coracoclavicular ligaments (trapezoid and conoid), which provide vertical stability, and the coracoacromial ligament. Mild injuries are not associated with any significant morbidity, but severe injuries can lead to considerable loss of strength and function of the shoulder. Acromioclavicular injuries may be associated with a fractured clavicle, impingement syndromes, and, more rarely, neurovascular insults.[1][2]

Acromioclavicular injuries are frequently seen after sporting events, car accidents, falls from a bicycle, and other sports-related activities (eg, skiing). Acromioclavicular joint injuries may account for as much as 40% of all shoulder injuries and nearly 10% of all injuries in collision sports such as football, lacrosse, and ice hockey.[3][4]

The most common mechanism of injury is direct trauma to the lateral aspect of the shoulder or acromion process with the arm in adduction. Falling on an outstretched hand or elbow may also lead to acromioclavicular joint separation.

Patients with an acromioclavicular joint injury typically present with anterosuperior shoulder pain and will describe a mechanism of injury of blunt trauma to the abducted shoulder or landing on an outstretched arm, suggestive of this type of injury. They may describe pain radiating to the neck or shoulder, often worse with movement or when they try to sleep on the affected shoulder. On examination, the clinician may observe swelling, bruising, or a deformity of the acromioclavicular joint, depending on the injury. The patient will be tender at that location. They may have a restriction in the active and passive range of motion secondary to pain. The "piano key sign" may be seen, with an elevation of the clavicle that rebounds after inferior compression. Finally, it is essential to evaluate the entire clavicle for possible fracture or sternoclavicular injury and perform a full neurovascular exam on the affected extremity.

Standard x-rays are adequate to make a diagnosis of acromioclavicular joint injury and should be used to evaluate for other causes of traumatic shoulder pain. Acromioclavicular joint injuries may not always be evident on regular radiographic views (anteroposterior, lateral). Additional views include the Zanca view, an anteroposterior view performed by tilting the beam 10 to 15 degrees cranial, and bilateral anteroposterior views to compare displacement to the contralateral shoulder. Weighted stress views may be useful in evaluating the displacement of the joint when the diagnosis is uncertain based on standard anteroposterior views. If there is continued uncertainty in diagnosis, the provider may also consider ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging for further diagnostic evaluation.[5] Consider the Rockwood Staging System outlined below when evaluating radiographs, especially when compared to the contralateral shoulder, which will be important for guiding treatment. In most cases, identifying the coracoclavicular interspace distance compared to the contralateral view will help guide treatment options. An example of the appropriate method for measuring coracoclavicular interspace distance appears below.

Rockwood Classification Acromioclavicular joint injuries follow the Rockwood classification system of type I to type VI. Type I Type I is a sprain of the acromioclavicular ligaments only and demonstrates no radiographic displacement. Type II Type II involves tearing of the acromioclavicular ligament and sprain of the coracoclavicular ligament with less than 25% increase in the coracoclavicular interspace or with the clavicle elevated but not superior to the border of the acromion. Type I and II sprains are managed nonoperatively with a sling, analgesia, ice, and physical therapy. Type III Type III acromioclavicular joint separation involves tearing of both the acromioclavicular ligament and coracoclavicular ligaments, resulting in clavicle elevation above the border of the acromion with a 25% to 100% increased coracoclavicular distance on x-ray compared to the contralateral side. Type III injuries are frequently managed nonoperatively, similar to type I and II; however, if the displacement is more significant than 75%, the patient is a laborer, elite athlete, concerned about cosmesis, or is not improving with conservative management, then surgical intervention may be considered. Type IV Posterior displacement of the distal clavicle into the trapezius defines type IV injuries (see Image. Acromioclavicular Joint Separation With Injury Type III/IV, Shoulder Radiograph). Type V Superior displacement of the distal clavicle by more than 100% compared with contralateral defines type V injuries. Type VI Type VI is a rare injury, defined as an inferolateral displacement in a subacromial or subcoracoid displacement behind the coracobrachialis or biceps tendon. Type IV through VI injuries are typically managed surgically and warrant referral to an orthopedic surgeon.[1][3][6] Management of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption The following techniques are used to stabilize and reduce the acromioclavicular joint (see Image. Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption).[7] Hook plate

Type VI is a rare injury, defined as an inferolateral displacement in a subacromial or subcoracoid displacement behind the coracobrachialis or biceps tendon. Type IV through VI injuries are typically managed surgically and warrant referral to an orthopedic surgeon.[1][3][6] Management of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption The following techniques are used to stabilize and reduce the acromioclavicular joint (see Image. Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption).[7] Hook plate In the setting of Rockwood type Types III and V injuries, a distal clavicle hook plate may be employed to restore the alignment of the acromioclavicular joint. The "hook" portion of the hook plate is placed inferior to the acromion, with superior plating on the clavicle. While this does provide excellent reduction of the joint, the plate must be removed in a subsequent surgery to prevent subacromial irritation, subacromial impingement, acromion osteolysis, and iatrogenic damage to the rotator cuff.[8] Kienast et al reported 84% good and excellent results (Taft score) in type III through V acromioclavicular disruption with a hook plate.[9] A superior approach is used for plate fixation. The hook is placed posteriorly under the acromion, and screws are placed after the reduction of the acromioclavicular joint.[7] Bosworth screw All types of acromioclavicular joint injuries can be treated with the Bosworth screw (coracoclavicular screw fixation), which has outstanding results and is very cost-effective. Bosworth screws, along with acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction, provide excellent long-term outcomes. A 6.5-mm screw is placed from the clavicle to the coracoid through a mini-open incision or percutaneously. Early screw removal (usually 8 weeks) is necessary to prevent fatigue failure and crew breakage.[10][11] Tension band wiring Tucek et al compared tension band wiring versus hook plate in 80 patients with type V acromioclavicular joint disruption. Tension band wiring provides comparable clinico-radiological results; however, hook plate allows an earlier range of motion and has a reduced rate of complications. Tension band wiring should be removed after 8 weeks to prevent wire malposition, migration, and breakage.[12] Endobutton

Tucek et al compared tension band wiring versus hook plate in 80 patients with type V acromioclavicular joint disruption. Tension band wiring provides comparable clinico-radiological results; however, hook plate allows an earlier range of motion and has a reduced rate of complications. Tension band wiring should be removed after 8 weeks to prevent wire malposition, migration, and breakage.[12] Endobutton A suitable treatment option for acromioclavicular dislocation is coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction utilizing an endobutton, which has the benefits of solid fixation and an early functional range of motion. [13] Double or triple Ethibond no 5 loops are used with titanium endobuttons from the clavicle to the coracoid. Compared with a single suspension system, continuous and double loops minimize the risk of loop-knot slippage.[14] Management of Chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Disruption There are 3 main goals of treatment: Acromioclavicular joint debridement Ligament reconstruction (acromioclavicular/coracoclavicular) Stable fixation The following procedures are used for chronic acromioclavicular joint disruptions. Modified Weaver-Dunn procedure An incision is made from the acromioclavicular joint, the tip of the coracoid. After raising skin flaps, the acromioclavicular joint is debrided, and a distal 1 cm of the clavicle is excised. The coracoacromial ligament and a small piece of the acromion are transferred to the distal end of the clavicle. The modification in the original procedure is done in the form of added fixation with a screw or plate.[15][16] Mazzocca technique The incision extends from the tip of the coracoid to 2 cm posterior to the acromioclavicular joint. The distal 1 cm of the clavicle is excised after acromioclavicular joint debridement. A semitendinosus autograft is prepared and looped around the coracoid. The anatomical reconstruction is performed by making bony tunnels in the clavicle shaft at the footprint of the conoid and trapezoid ligament.[17] Neviaser technique The coracoacromial ligament and a small bony piece from its attachment site are mobilized from the coracoid. K-wires are used to anchor the ligament to the distal end of the clavicle.[18] Rockwood procedure

The incision extends from the tip of the coracoid to 2 cm posterior to the acromioclavicular joint. The distal 1 cm of the clavicle is excised after acromioclavicular joint debridement. A semitendinosus autograft is prepared and looped around the coracoid. The anatomical reconstruction is performed by making bony tunnels in the clavicle shaft at the footprint of the conoid and trapezoid ligament.[17] Neviaser technique The coracoacromial ligament and a small bony piece from its attachment site are mobilized from the coracoid. K-wires are used to anchor the ligament to the distal end of the clavicle.[18] Rockwood procedure The original procedure includes the transfer of coracoacromial ligament from the acromion to the distal end of the clavicle. The bony tunnels are made through the lateral end of the clavicle to anchor this coracoacromial ligament. A Bosworth screw provides stable reduction to secure this ligament reconstruction. Docking technique The coracoacromial ligament is transferred from the acromion into the distal end of the clavicle. The docking procedure involves tensioning the coracoacromial ligament into the distal clavicle's medullary canal using 2 nonabsorbable sutures.[19] Mumford procedure This procedure is required for chronic type I and II acromioclavicular joint disruptions with intact ligaments. The distal 2.5 cm of the clavicle is excised to reduce joint pain. The soft tissue and periosteum are pilcated over the lateral end of the clavicle.[20]

The differential diagnoses for acromioclavicular joint injury include the following: Acromioclavicular distal clavicle osteolysis Acromioclavicular joint arthritis Acromion fracture Adhesive capsulitis Anterior humerus subluxation Complex pain syndrome Erb-Duchenne injury Glenoid labrum tear Os acromiale Rotator cuff injury Superior labral tear Septic arthritis Shoulder dislocation

Rockwood Classification of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries The Rockwood classification of acromioclavicular joint injuries remains the gold standard for driving treatment decisions and is an excellent tool for managing acromioclavicular joint injuries. I: Acromioclavicular ligament sprain; coracoclavicular ligament intact; no radiographic abnormalities II: Acromioclavicular ligament is torn; coracoclavicular ligament sprain; the clavicle has elevated but is not superior to the border of the acromion or exhibits a less than 25% increase in the coracoclavicular interspace compared to the contralateral III: Acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn; the clavicle has elevated above the border of the acromion, or there is an increase of 25% to 100% in the coracoclavicular interspace compared to the contralateral IV: Acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn; posterior displacement of the distal clavicle into the trapezius V: Acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn; superior displacement of the distal clavicle by more than 100% in the coracoclavicular interspace compared to the contralateral VI: Acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are torn; inferolateral displacement in a subacromial or subcoracoid displacement behind the coracobrachialis or biceps tendon [21]

The prognosis for acromioclavicular joint injuries is generally favorable. Most injuries receive nonoperative management, and individuals typically regain functional motion by 6 weeks and return to normal activity by 12 weeks. Surgically managed injuries have a more extended recovery timeframe, including immobilization for 6 weeks and a gradual return to full activity around 6 months.[22][23][24]

The most frequently encountered complication of acromioclavicular joint separation is residual joint pain, affecting anywhere from 30% to 50% of individuals. Acromioclavicular joint arthritis is also a known complication and is more common with surgical management. Hardware irritation, infection, adhesive capsulitis, coracoid, and clavicular fractures are common complications following fixation. Hook plate leads to acromion irritation, subacromial impingement, and osteolysis.[25]

Type I and II AC joint separations do not necessarily require an evaluation by a specialist; however, type III through VI should have an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine clinician.

Injuries of the acromioclavicular joint are common causes of shoulder pain and frequently occur in athletes and the setting of traumatic injuries. Patients should seek an evaluation from a trained orthopedic or sports management physician. Early management with sling immobilization, ice, rest, and antiinflammatory medications is generally an appropriate treatment for these injuries. Patients can generally return to normal activities after they have been evaluated and cleared by their treating physician.

Other key information includes the following: The position of the acromioclavicular joint makes it vulnerable to direct trauma to the superior or lateral aspect of the shoulder. In an isolated injury, patients typically experience pain and swelling over the joint, with or without a deformity, depending on the degree of injury. All patients should receive a radiographic evaluation of the affected shoulder, and if the diagnosis is in question, radiographs of the contralateral acromioclavicular joint should also be obtained. Type I and II injuries occur twice as frequently as type III to VI injuries. Most injuries can be managed nonoperatively. If uncertainty exists or the injury is a Rockwell grade III or greater, an orthopedic clinician should be urgently consulted. Nonoperative management includes rest, protection with a sling, ice, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, and physical therapy.

Acromioclavicular joint injuries are commonly present in the emergency department. The mild injuries are usually managed conservatively, but the severe injuries may require surgery; hence, it is crucial to consult an orthopedic surgeon when arriving at the diagnosis to grade the injury. For mild injuries, the clinician, nurse practitioner, emergency department physician, and primary caregiver should recommend physical therapy once the acute pain has resolved. Pharmacists and nurses should work with the team to educate the patient and family and assist in pain control. Those wishing to return to sports should consult an orthopedic surgeon.[28]