DNV GL/NIAHO Accredited facility.Dallas and Richardson AC Joint Surgery Center
An AC joint injury can make everyday movements like lifting your arm or reaching overhead painful and difficult. At Eminent Medical Center, we offer advanced AC joint surgery in Dallas and Richardson, TX, to help restore shoulder function and relieve discomfort caused by acromioclavicular joint injuries. Whether you’re dealing with an AC joint separation, shoulder separation, or other AC injuries, our team provides personalized surgical treatment options, including acromioclavicular joint reconstruction and ligament reconstruction.
If conservative treatment like physical therapy has not worked or your injury is more severe, surgical repair may be necessary to stabilize the joint and support the healing process. To learn more about your treatment options or to schedule a consultation for orthopedic surgery in Richardson and Dallas, TX, call Eminent Medical Center at (469) 910-8800 or visit our online contact page.
What is the Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collar bone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). This small but important joint helps connect the arm to the body and allows for a wide range of shoulder movement, especially when lifting the arm or reaching overhead.
The acromioclavicular joint works together with the glenohumeral joint to support shoulder function and stability. Ligaments around the AC joint hold the bones in place and help absorb stress during motion. When these ligaments are stretched or torn due to injury, the joint can become unstable, causing pain and limited movement. This type of injury is known as an AC joint separation or acromioclavicular joint injury.
Common Types of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries
The acromioclavicular joint is a frequent source of shoulder pain, especially in athletes and individuals who experience falls or direct impact to the shoulder. AC injuries can vary from mild ligament strains to more severe injuries involving complete separation or dislocation of the joint.
Understanding the type and extent of damage is a crucial step in deciding between conservative treatment and AC joint surgery.
AC Joint Separation
An acromioclavicular joint separation happens when the ligaments that connect the collar bone to the shoulder blade are stretched or torn, often after a fall or a direct hit to the shoulder. This type of AC joint injury can lead to pain, swelling, limited movement, and a visible bump where the joint has shifted out of place.
AC separations are classified by severity, ranging from mild sprains to complete tears that may require surgery. In more severe cases, acromioclavicular joint reconstruction or ligament reconstruction can restore joint stability and relieve pain.
Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations
Acromioclavicular joint dislocation is a more serious type of joint injury in which the collar bone separates from the shoulder blade. This injury typically results in a noticeable deformity, significant pain, and loss of shoulder function.
AC joint dislocations may involve damage to the surrounding ligaments, including the cc ligament that helps hold the bones together. AC joint surgery, such as acromioclavicular joint repair with a fixation method or internal brace, is often recommended to realign the joint, repair damaged tissue, and support the healing process.
Causes of Acromioclavicular Injuries
Acromioclavicular joint injuries often happen from a direct blow to the top of the shoulder or a fall onto an outstretched arm. These types of impacts can stretch or tear the ligaments that hold the collar bone and shoulder blade together, leading to joint separation or dislocation.
AC joint injuries are common in contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling, as well as in cycling or skateboarding accidents. In fact, about 53% of acromioclavicular injuries occur during sports activities. The force from these impacts can damage the ligaments that connect the collar bone to the shoulder blade, often leading to shoulder separation or AC joint dislocations.
In some cases, severe injuries may occur during car accidents or heavy falls, damaging the acromioclavicular joint and surrounding structures like the cc ligament, trapezius muscle, or deltoid muscle. Whether the injury is mild or severe, symptoms often include shoulder pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Symptoms of Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries
Symptoms of acromioclavicular joint injuries can vary depending on the severity of the damage. One of the most common signs is pain at the top of the shoulder, especially when lifting the arm or reaching across the body. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the AC joint are also frequent complaints.
In cases of AC joint separation or acromioclavicular joint dislocations, a visible bump or deformity may appear near the end of the collar bone. Some patients may experience a popping sensation or feel that the joint moves abnormally. More severe injuries may lead to persistent pain, reduced shoulder function, and difficulty performing daily activities.
If conservative treatment doesn’t relieve the symptoms or if shoulder instability continues, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Surgical Options for Acromioclavicular Joint Repair in DFW
When acromioclavicular joint injuries cause persistent pain, limited shoulder function, or a visible deformity that doesn’t improve after initial treatment, your orthopedic doctor may recommend AC joint surgery. In many cases, patients begin with conservative treatment, such as rest, physical therapy, or bracing, to reduce pain and promote healing.
At Eminent Medical Center, we provide a range of AC joint surgery options designed to repair or reconstruct the damaged acromioclavicular joint, restore proper alignment, and support shoulder movement.
The proposed treatment algorithm is based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the condition of the surrounding ligaments, and whether the joint has undergone prior treatment. Below, we describe two commonly performed procedures for treating AC joint separation and other acromioclavicular injuries.
Arthroscopic AC Joint Surgery
Arthroscopic AC joint surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small incision and a camera-guided instrument to access the injured joint. This surgical procedure allows the surgeon to remove damaged tissue, repair ligaments, and restore joint stability without large incisions.
Arthroscopic repair can treat less severe AC injuries or early-stage AC separations. This method may also involve placing an internal brace or using a fixation method to stabilize the joint during the healing process.
Open Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction
For more severe injuries or when ligament reconstruction is required, open acromioclavicular joint reconstruction may be necessary. This surgical repair involves a larger incision over the shoulder to allow direct access to the acromioclavicular joint. The procedure may include realigning the collar bone, securing it with a hook plate or other fixation method, and reconstructing torn ligaments using a tendon graft.
In some cases, the surgeon may also reinforce the joint using sutures or anchors attached to the coracoid process. Open reconstruction is often used when there is significant joint separation, visible deformity, or previous failed treatment that requires revision surgery.
What to Expect During Your AC Joint Surgery at Eminent Medical Center
At Eminent Medical Center, AC joint surgery is performed in a safe, modern surgical environment by experienced orthopedic surgeons. Before the procedure, your care team will walk you through the surgical plan, explain the process of repairing the acromioclavicular joint, and answer any questions you may have.
During your AC joint surgery, you will receive anesthesia, and the surgeon will use either a small incision for arthroscopic repair or a larger incision for open acromioclavicular joint reconstruction, depending on the type and severity of your AC joint injury. The goal is to realign the collar bone, secure the joint using a fixation method such as a hook plate or internal brace, and repair or reconstruct any damaged ligaments using sutures or a tendon graft.
After your AC joint surgery, you’ll rest in a recovery area while our team monitors your initial healing process. Most patients go home the same day with a sling to support the shoulder and detailed instructions for the next steps in recovery.
Recovering from AC Joint Surgery
Recovery from AC joint surgery happens in stages and depends on the type of surgical repair performed and the severity of the original injury. Most patients wear a sling for the first two to four weeks to protect the AC joint and allow the repaired ligaments and tissues to begin healing. During this time, it’s important to avoid lifting or using the shoulder. Physical therapy usually begins soon after to help restore range of motion, strengthen the shoulder muscles, and improve shoulder function.
The full healing process may take several months, especially if ligament reconstruction or a tendon graft was used. Patients recovering from more severe injuries or revision surgery may need a longer rehabilitation period.
Additional Shoulder Surgeries Offered at Eminent Medical Center
As a leading shoulder surgery center in Richardson and Dallas, TX, Eminent Medical Center treats a wide range of shoulder conditions beyond AC joint injuries. Our orthopedic team provides personalized care for patients dealing with pain, limited mobility, or structural damage affecting the shoulder joint. Whether you’re suffering from a torn tendon, joint stiffness, or arthritis, we offer advanced surgical procedures to help restore shoulder function and improve quality of life.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff injuries involve tears in the group of muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate the arm. At Eminent Medical Center, we perform rotator cuff surgery in Dallas and Richardson, TX, to reattach torn tendons to the bone and strengthen the shoulder. Depending on the tear’s size and severity, we may use arthroscopic or open techniques to perform the repair.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Dallas and Richardson, TX, is a minimally invasive option used to diagnose and treat a variety of shoulder problems, including tendon damage, bone spurs, and joint inflammation. Using a small incision and a camera-guided instrument, surgeons can treat the affected area with less disruption to surrounding tissue, often resulting in a faster recovery and reduced pain after surgery.
Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness that can significantly limit motion. When physical therapy and medications fail to improve symptoms, frozen shoulder surgery in Richardson and Dallas, TX, may be recommended. This procedure involves releasing tight joint tissue to restore mobility and reduce discomfort.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
When joint damage from arthritis, fractures, or severe rotator cuff injuries becomes too advanced for other treatments, shoulder replacement surgery may be necessary. Eminent Medical Center offers both standard shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement in Dallas and Richardson, TX.
Labral Repair Procedures for SLAP Tears
SLAP tears affect the labrum, a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder socket. These injuries often occur from repetitive overhead motion or trauma and can lead to pain, clicking, or instability. SLAP repair surgery in Richardson and Dallas, TX, involves reattaching the torn labrum to restore shoulder strength and prevent further damage. This procedure commonly uses arthroscopic techniques for precise repair and shorter recovery time.
Why Choose Eminent Medical for Your AC Joint Surgery in Dallas and Richardson, TX?
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, limited movement, or symptoms from an AC joint injury, the team at Eminent Medical Center is here to help. Our shoulder surgery center in Richardson and Dallas, TX, provides advanced treatment options, from acromioclavicular joint reconstruction to rotator cuff repair and shoulder replacement.
Whether you need surgical treatment for a recent injury or revision surgery after a past procedure, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery. Call Eminent Medical Center today at (469) 910-8800 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.