The acromioclavicular joint is a joint at the end of your collar bone. It can be injured in a variety of ways but the most common mechanism is direct trauma from a fall onto the shoulder during contact sports. The joint can also be injured from a fall onto an outstretched arm. . Most patients experience pain and there can be a sagging appearance of the shoulder. Nondisplaced or minimally displaced injuries to the AC joint are treated conservatively. Rest and a sling may be used initially, followed by gentle range of motion as soon as possible. Some patients may remain symptomatic or have a small, prominent bump on their shoulder over the long term. Surgery is reserved for more severely displaced joints or for patients who continue to have pain.
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