Does an AC Separation or a Separated Shoulder Require Surgery?

AC separations, also called a separated shoulder are fairly common shoulder injuries. If you landed on your shoulder and now you see a bump then you likely have an AC Separation. Many of these injuries can be managed without surgery. Some of these injuries are best managed with surgery. How do we tell which might lead to a more functional and less painful shoulder.
#DrHowardLuks

Use this as a stepping stone to improve your discussion with your surgeon. Research is changing every month. The views expressed here may not be relevant in the coming years. This video is for your education only... This is NOT meant as medical advice.

Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, or in the comments at the end of these videos. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please talk with your physician or health care provider for your specific orthopedic and medical concerns.

[jamesnewsom]

Thank you Dr., for an excellent overview. You along with advice from others is steering me in the direction of taping and rehab for my grade 3 AC separation. I really appreciate your taking your time to explain this.

[patriciovalenzuela]

Excellent video. Well explained. Professionally created for the common man to understand all the concepts. Not too technical, completely factual. And with very specific information. Great, great work from Dr. Luks. Thank you Dr. Luks!

[rohanmccoy]

Many thanks for the explanation, has eased my mind on not rushing to surgery on my type three separation.

[markgilder]

Although I live in the UK, I found your video vey helpful and has put my mind to rest. Thank you sir.

[chrish]

Best explanation I've seen - thank you so much for publishing this

[narwhaldc]

Thank you SOOO much for this video. I blew a front tire biking yesterday while downhill and in a curve—wheel rim bit into the ground and i vaulted over the top bike on top of me. Clearly a type 3 of some variant and your video helps me understand things to better engage with the ortho next week. Thanks again for the brilliant breakdown!

[chinazacynthia-eeht]

This is better than my lectures but sir please I would love you to be including pics of each explained to enhance better understanding instead of just explaining through. Thank you so much sir, I really appreciate thie❤

[joeycuscina]

Thank you Dr. Luks, will be seeing you on Thursday at Westchester medical..
Joseph Cuscina

[tiko]

Appreciate the video Dr.H! Saved me and my uninsured self a trip to the doctors for the time being.

[peterhaar]

The best video/ explanation I have seen about AC separation :-)

[ihyvfkg]

Greetings from Lebanon, very Helpful, Thank You

[RaySizer]

Great video. More pictures of shoulder would be very helpful for EACH type of injury. Especially the non-surgical injuries where you are put in a sling and sent home to figure it out on your own what to do or not do and when you can start to use it for non-impact work or sports.
Thanks very much.

[abdurraheemgreen]

thanks. That was very useful. I love your calming approach!

[magik]

Awesome explanation! Thank you very much!

[kahunapte]

I’ve suffered a grade 2 with a coraco-clavicular ligament tear. Unsure if I’ll need surgery but this video was informative. Thank you!

[legion]

I was diagnosed by the emergency Room with a grade 3AC separation. I had AMRI done, the results revealed that both of my AC ligaments were ruptured. I have partial damage to buy trapezoid ligament. Also extensive edema in the AC Joint. How do I proceed

[jadumonigogoi]

what is the consequences of untreated ac separation?

[antonm]

Thank you Howard, you gave me hope. I was devastated to find out that i got type 3. Very scary as my entire life rotates around contact sports. Day 5 now and still in great pain, but with hope now.

[stevesanok]

Great explanation. I have a grade 3 separation and will consider surgery in about 6 weeks after I heal and do the recommended healing e exercises.

[denniss]

I clearly have a type 2 or 3, with a bump at top of shoulder, there is some pain pushing down on the bump, but my shoulder function properly with no pain