Choosing the best doctor for an AC Joint Separation in New York and Brooklyn

Choosing the best doctor for an AC Joint (acromioclavicular joint) Separation in New York and Brooklyn is an important decision. AC joint injuries are a difficult problem that Dr. Cagle has extensive experience treating. Dr. Cagle utilizes the most cutting edge minimally invasive techniques and technologies to repair the AC joint separation with a goal of rapidly restoring shoulder function and healing.

WHAT IS AN AC JOINT SEPARATION?

A shoulder separation is an injury to the AC Joint and the coracoclavicular ligaments. This results in the separation of the clavicle (collar bone) and the scapula. An AC Joint separation is distinctly different from a shoulder dislocation because an AC Joint separation does not mean that the ball and socket is dislocated. These injuries typically occur after trauma to the shoulder, most often from a direct impact to the top or side of the shoulder.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN AC JOINT SEPARATION?

Following a shoulder separation, a person can experience pain and difficulty with shoulder motion. The injury to the AC joint allows the clavicle to move away from the scapula. This may cause the appearance of a bump under the skin or may make one shoulder appear different than the other.

HOW IS AN AC JOINT SEPARATION DIAGNOSED?

AC Joint Separations are diagnosed by a combination of injury history, symptoms, a physical examination and x-rays.

HOW IS AN AC JOINT SEPARATION TREATED?

Shoulder separations can be a low- or high-grade injury. Many low-grade shoulder separation injuries require only physical therapy and rarely require surgery. High grade AC Joint Separations represent a more severe injury and may require surgical treatment. If you believe you may have an AC Joint Separation you should urgently make an evaluation appointment with a shoulder specialist.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Surgical treatment of an AC Joint Separation involves either the repair of the shoulder separation or reconstruction of the injured tissue. Typically, the decision between a repair of your own tissue or a reconstruction is based on the time since the injury. With modern and minimally invasive techniques, individuals can go home the same day of the surgery.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER?

Recovery after an AC Joint repair or reconstruction occurs is stages. Dr. Cagle personalizes the recovery time frame to each situation. A sling is typically worn after surgery for a period of 4-6 weeks to protect the repair. After surgery, each person progresses through a focused course of physical therapy to help them quickly regain their shoulder function and strength.

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT (AC) RECONSTRUCTION POSTOPERATIVE PROTOCOL