When is fracture fixation surgery recommended for an AC joint injury?

The acromioclavicular joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade. An injury can stretch or tear its supporting ligaments and may leave the collarbone visibly prominent. Examination and shoulder imaging help show the amount of separation, associated fracture, skin pressure, and shoulder function. Many injuries are managed with a sling, pain control, and rehabilitation. Surgery is discussed when alignment cannot be maintained, the injury is open or pressing on the skin, nearby structures are involved, or pain and weakness remain limiting after a thoughtful trial of non-surgical treatment.

Before surgery, follow instructions about the sling, shoulder movement, medicines, and eating or drinking. Afterward, protect the repair from lifting and sudden reaching while the tissues heal. Keep the wound clean and attend dressing and review appointments. Physiotherapy usually progresses from protected movement to restoring shoulder strength and control. The exact pace depends on the repair, imaging, examination, and your surgeon’s restrictions.

Seek urgent help for a cold, pale, blue, or numb hand; rapidly increasing swelling; severe uncontrolled pain; chest pain or breathing difficulty; or a new injury to the operated shoulder. Contact the surgical team for fever, spreading redness, increasing wound drainage, wound opening, or sudden loss of shoulder or arm function.

Ask which structures are injured, what makes fixation preferable, which implant or repair is planned, how long the sling is needed, and when driving, work, overhead activity, and physiotherapy may resume. Discuss expected shoulder movement and possible alternatives.