Shoulder separation injury commonly involves the acromioclavicular joint ( AC joint). The AC joint is where the clavicle meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion).
- the cocrocoacromial,
- corococlavicular (CC) and
- acromioclavicular ligaments(AC).
Ligaments are soft tissue structures that connect bones to bones.
Falls directly on the shoulder can injure the ligaments that stabilize the AC joint.
If the force is severe enough, the AC ligament and or coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments can tear with resultant separation of the clavicle and acromion. The result is a bump on the shoulder.
Treatment options include surgery if the pain continues or if the deformity is severe. Often the end of the collarbone is cut out so that it does not rub against the acromion along with reconstruction of the ligaments.
Other successful treatment options for shoulder separation include prolotherapy and stem cell therapy to repair damaged ligaments and joints. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic prolotherapy has been utilized extensively to strengthen loose or torn shoulder ligaments.
At Regenexx a patient’s own stem cells are used to repair torn ligaments and damaged joints. Both therapies enable the patient to forgo the risks of surgery and the time, at the expense and pain of shoulder surgery rehabilitation. Because you’re avoiding the surgery, you’re also avoiding the rehabilitation of said injury.
