Classification of ac joint dislocation
What is the classification of the AC joint?
The Acromioclavicular Joint, or AC Joint, is one of four joints that comprises the Shoulder complex. The AC Joint is formed by the junction of the lateral clavicle and the acromion process of the scapula and is a gliding, or plane style synovial joint.
How are AC joint sprains classified?
Acromioclavicular joint sprains are classified based on x-ray findings: Type I: No joint disruption. Type II: Subluxation with some overlap of the clavicle and acromion. Type III: Complete joint dislocation, usually because the coracoclavicular ligament is torn.
What are the Rockwood classifications types of AC joint injury?
A Type I injury is a mild sprain of the AC ligament, Type II is a ruptured AC ligament and sprained CC ligaments, Type III is a superior dislocation of the AC joint with ruptured AC ligament, CC ligament, and joint capsule, Type IV is a posterior dislocation of the AC joint with ruptured AC ligament, CC ligament, and …
What are the grades of AC joint injury?
Like many orthopedic conditions, AC joint separations can range from mild to very severe. Treatment is often based on grading based on a standard x-ray. The original grading system had three grades; non-displaced sprain (type 1), partially dislocated joint (type 2) and completely dislocated (type 3).
What is a Type 5 AC separation?
Grade 5—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle), and the end of the collar bone (clavicle) tears through the muscle covering (fascia) above it. Results in a large, permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint.
What is a Grade 4 AC separation?
A grade 4 AC separation occurs when the clavicle is severely displaced posteriorly. It is defined as “significant” posterior displacement. The grade separation definition does not have any quantifiable distance as it is determined simply by the impression of the clinician.
What is a Grade 3 AC joint separation?
Grade III – A complete separation of the joint. The acromioclavicular ligament, the coracoclavicular ligaments, and the capsule surrounding the joint are torn. Usually, the displacement is obvious on clinical exam.
What is a Grade 2 AC separation?
Grade 2—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and stretching (but not tearing) of ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). Frequently results in a small, permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint.
Does a Grade 3 AC joint separation need surgery?
Surgery is the clear choice for highly displaced AC joint separations (Grade 4, 5, and 6), and also for Grade 3 AC separations that demonstrate significant horizontal instability. Deciding on a surgeon is critical to achieving a complication-free and pain-free result.
What is a Grade 2 AC joint sprain?
Grade 2—Involves tearing of the joint covering (capsule) and stretching (but not tearing) of ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). Frequently results in a small, permanent bump over the top of the shoulder at the AC joint.
How is an AC joint injury diagnosed?
Symptoms of an AC joint injury
- Shoulder or arm pain.
- A visible bump, bruise, or swelling on your shoulder.
- Limited shoulder mobility.
- Weakness in your shoulder or arm.
- Pain when lying on the affected side.
- A popping sound when you move your shoulder.
How many different AC joint sprains are there?
Types of AC joint injuries
Type I = the AC ligament is slightly torn, but there’s no damage to the CC ligament is unharmed. Type II = the AC ligament is completely torn, and there’s little or no tear to the CC ligament. Type III = both the AC and CC ligaments are completely torn.
What is a Grade 3 AC joint separation?
Grade III – A complete separation of the joint. The acromioclavicular ligament, the coracoclavicular ligaments, and the capsule surrounding the joint are torn. Usually, the displacement is obvious on clinical exam.
How do you treat a dislocated AC joint?
Treatment of these injuries typically consists of pain medication, cryotherapy and the use of a sling for comfort for one to two weeks with the encouragement of early range of motion activities and weaning of the sling as pain permits.
Can an AC joint heal without surgery?
Most people do well without surgery. The severe injury (Grade 3) can be treated either nonoperatively or operatively. Non-operative treatment involves immobilisation in a sling for two to three weeks followed by a course of physiotherapy.