What to expect from fracture fixation surgery for an AC joint injury

The acromioclavicular joint connects the outer collarbone to the shoulder blade. An injury can disturb the joint and nearby supporting structures. During fixation surgery, the surgeon uses hardware or a stabilising device to hold the bones or joint in a useful position while tissues heal.

After surgery, the shoulder is commonly protected in a sling. Pain, bruising and restricted arm movement are expected early on. Follow-up checks assess the incision, shoulder position and progress before exercises are advanced.

Keep the dressing and incision clean and follow instructions about bathing. Wear the sling as directed, support the arm when resting, and perform only the prescribed hand, wrist or elbow movements at first. Avoid lifting, reaching overhead or sleeping on the operated side until cleared.

Take medicines exactly as prescribed and arrange help with dressing, meals and transport while arm use is limited. Physiotherapy usually progresses from protected movement to strength and functional tasks.

Contact the surgical team for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, wound separation, fever, pain that is becoming harder to control, or new weakness or numbness. Seek urgent help for chest pain, breathing difficulty, or a hand that becomes cold, blue or difficult to move.

Ask which movements are protected, how long the sling is needed, how the hardware will be reviewed, when driving is safe, and how physiotherapy will be staged.