AC Joint Injury

The acromioclavicular joint is the highest part of the shoulder and is located at the outer end of the collar bone. The most common ways of injuring the AC joint is by falling onto an outstretched hand or landing hard on the shoulder or elbow.

This type of injury produces initial pain throughout the shoulder that subsides into pain specific to the end of the collar bone. Swelling often occurs, and sometimes a lump is visible. AC joint injury makes shoulder movement painful, especially when elevating the arm above shoulder height.

The shoulder should be rested and iced when there is an AC joint injury. Oftentimes, a sling is used to keep it immobile and to ease pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines will temporarily relieve pain and quicken the recovery process. In the most serious cases, surgery may be needed.

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