Separated Shoulder

What is a Separated Shoulder?

Not to be confused with a shoulder dislocation, the term shoulder separation refers to the stretching/tearing of ligaments where the clavicle (i.e., collarbone) meets the scapula (i.e., shoulder blade), which is referred to as the acromioclavicular joint (AC). A mild separation is sometimes referred to as a sprained AC joint.

A shoulder separation is usually caused by falling forward onto an outstretched hand, or by an impact to the front of the shoulder. In severe cases, where the ligaments tear, the collarbone can move forward and detach from the shoulder blade. The primary symptom is shoulder pain, and sometimes a small bump will be present on top of the shoulder.

Shoulder separations are classified into one of six types, as follows.

Type I: Injury to the capsule that surrounds the AC joint. The bones do not move out of position, and the primary symptom is pain.

Type II: Injury to the AC joint capsule as well as a partial tear of the coracoclavicular ligament. Patients with a Type II shoulder separation may have a small bump over the injury.

Type III: Same as Type II, but more severe. Patients with a Type III shoulder separation usually have a large bump over the injured AC joint.

Type IV: An unusual type of shoulder separation where the clavicle is pushed behind the AC joint.

Type V: An exaggerated Type III injury, wherein the muscle above the AC joint is punctured by the end of the clavicle, resulting in a significant bump.

Type VI: An exceedingly rare injury wherein the clavicle pushes downward and become lodged below part of the scapula (the corocoid).

Treatment of a Separated Shoulder

The recommended course of treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Conservative treatment, involving rest and wearing a sling until the ligaments heal, is the simplest option. Ice may help reduce the pain and swelling, and physical therapy can be used to increase range of motion and strength.

Most shoulder separations heal within 2-3 months without complications, but in the case of severe injuries, surgical repair may be indicated. Seek the advice of a trained medical professional.

Alphabetical Index of Injuries:

» Achilles Tendon Rupture
» Achilles Tendonitis
» Calf Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Concussion
» Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
» Dislocated Shoulder
» Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Groin Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Hamstring Pull, Strain, or Tear
» Heel Spurs (Bone Spurs)
» High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain)
» Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
» Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
» Plantar Fasciitis
» Runner’s Knee (Chondromalacia Patellae)
» Separated Shoulder
» Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)
» Shin Splints
» Sprained AC Joint
» Sprained Ankle
» Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
» Torn Rotator Cuff
» Turf Toe (Metatarsalphalangeal Joint Sprain)