AC JOINT SEPARATION - DO I NEED SURGERY?

SURGERY AFTER AC SEPARATION

Rightfully so, most peoples first questions after an AC separation is “Do I need surgery?”. This can be a hot topic of debate, but research and clinical evidence does provide some pretty clear guidelines.

Grades 1-2: Surgery is not indicated with these grades.

Grade 3: For the vast majority of grade 3’s (80-90ish percent), surgery is not needed and people go back to functional activities without limitations or pain. Surgery is sometimes indicated with grade 3 if the shoulder is not improving after ~ 6 weeks of conservative treatment or if the individual is a professional or high level athlete/manual laborer. Research has shown that the surgical route does take longer to recover. I have a grade 3 and I was able to get back to heavy overhead barbell work regularly without surgery!

Grade 4-5: These grades are usually handled surgically from the start. However there is research and anecdotal evidence online where people have made good recoveries without surgery and were able to go back to normal life activities without limitations.

Grade 6: These are pretty gnarly rare case AC separations and are handled surgically. If someone has this grade of separation, there’s alot of other problems likely going on.

Ultimately the determination of surgical vs non-surgical is up to the physician and individual. Educate yourself, weigh the risks, and choose what you feel is best for you.

[nathanielcanseco]

Hey whats up man, i just got into a motorcycle accident last friday . I have a grade 3 separation. Im a actice fighter/ Boxing coach . Im glad i ran into your page!!

[stihlfishin]

I suffered a grade 3 separation after rolling an ATV. In my third week of recovery now. Getting a bit better each day. PT has been a big help and seeing my progress at each appointment has been a morale boost!

[Anaya_Ayana]

I’m so glad I found your page. I agree surgery is a patient doctor decision. I opted to not have surgery. July 30th is when I noticed. I saw a doctor first week of august. I’m two weeks post cortisone injection. I have no pain but now I feel bone grinding with certain movements that make me cringe. 😫 I’ll start physical therapy next week. Praying the grinding stops. Thank you for this post I’m going to ask what grade my separation is. Based on my X-ray it looks identical to yours. What was I doing that caused it, I’m unsure I benched that morning but nothing out of the norm I also move heavy patients. Thank you for your inspiring story.

[Benergy_Fit]

Grade 3 here day 3 Doctor says: surgical recovery gives a more complete recovery than non surgical in the long run. How are your toughts on this ?

[TheMilo]

I have grade 3 and this happened almost 2 years ago. I believe I made a full recovery cause I’m lifting 45 dumbells on each arm, etc, but I don’t like the bump. I’d like surgery specifically for that. But I’m strong

[freedomhoopers_]

Just found out i have a grade 3 seperation went to my orthopedic today for the first time and he said its fine to not have a surgery in it but the bump will stay forever 🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️
And today is my day 4 of recovery wishing myself and everyone a fast recovery

[truelife]

I slipped on wet flood at home and had a grade 3 injury. Already 3 weeks have gone and I am on my way to recovery without surgery.
Stay strong and positive everyone...always!!

[joshm]

Just did mine, either a grade 3 or 5, waiting for swelling to go down.
They believe it's likely to be 5.
No pain, but my collar bone is completely exposed

[bmxr]

Crashed ny BMX at the big marsh in Chicago three weeks ago today. Grade 3, Have been working on my range of motion and slowly lifting more. Back to picking up the 70lb shingles at work as of this past monday

[super_heroes]

AC Grade 3. It happened March 1st and it’s currently the 11th. My doctor is prescribing physical therapy for ROM + Strengthening. However, in the future I’d like to get surgery to fix the bump back to normal. How long should I wait until surgery? I’m considering doing the 6 weeks of physical therapy before I make a decision. Right now I have a lot of swelling but it’s gradually getting less painful. I injured it by racing my friend on the grass. I also play badminton and would like to not only get back to normal but eventually play competitively

[andresrueda]

This passed Saturday had a dh crash on my bike. It’s been 5 days and actually to my doctor I have a grade 5 even though he only took one cray off my bad shoulder. I don’t have pain or discomfort moving my shoulder. Idk what to do I feel like the doctor just wants me to push for surgery

[MrTatoez]

Had my injury on Saturday got a xray at the EM they said its grade 3 AC sep....will be seeing my surgeon Monday for more information on wat will go dwn next

[prettygal]

I have ac joint separation ...what to do?

[kuyalhanski]

Help me this page hope thank you i think I have grade 2, near to grade 3, exercise in my home for recovery

[jena]

I regret getting surgery for a grade 3. It did not worked. I should of avoided it. I recommend no surgery. It is not worth it.

[fabianhabibpanah]

I've had my AC joint separation grade 2 since i was a kid, have not had any problems until i started hitting the gym in my teen years, now I'm 22 and have really bad pain in my AC joint, don't really know how to go forward from here ://

[kmw]

grade 4. fell skateboarding. im afraid of what this means for me lifting in the future...

[therealbatmanninja]

I hope I can get a response to this, I had a grade 3 AC joint separation and dr convinced me to get surgery. 9 months after surgery I felt my shoulder dislocate and I think it separated again. I took a couple weeks off from working out but eased my way back into it. I have mild discomfort often but I’m afraid to go back to the dr and do another surgery due to the long recovery time. I’m 27 I lift weights and train Muay Thai regularly. I just don’t want my shoulder to be useless when I’m older. Any advice??

[Dragonball]

@acjointseparationcrashcourse - how long did it take you to go back to CF classes with modified movements then how long after were you able to do all RX post injury? Really appreciate your videos.

[crgray]

I'm about six months out from grade 3. Does the clicking ever go away? It does seem odd that the joint can go back to normal function when it mechanically is positioned differently...lateral end of clavicle.