AC Joint Reconstruction
Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction surgery is required to stabilise severe and unsightly AC joint dislocations. When the AC joint is completely dislocated, it causes a highly visible bump at the end of the collarbone or clavicle. Minor injuries to the AC joint generally heal well and do not require shoulder surgery. However, severe grade III injuries occur when the ligaments are completely torn. These shoulder injuries usually require AC joint reconstruction surgery.
Dr. David Colvin, trained in orthopaedic surgery in Perth. David's specialty is knee and shoulder surgery and sports injuries.
AC Joint Reconstruction and the Weaver-Dunn procedure
There are many different surgical procedures that can be used to reconstruct a severe AC joint dislocation. The type of surgery recommended may depend on whether it is a recent or longstanding dislocation. However the Modified Weaver-Dunn procedure is considered the gold standard. It is appropriate for all severe AC joint dislocations, even if they are longstanding.
Shoulder & Knee Surgery Perth
What happens during the Weaver-Dunn procedure?
When the AC joint is severely dislocated, the coracoclavicular ligaments holding the collar bone down, are completely torn. The end of the collarbone and the AC joint are also damaged. The Weaver-Dunn procedure fixes both of these problems by removing some of the bone at the end of the collarbone and transferring a new ligament on to the end of the clavicle. This transferred ligament takes over the role of the torn ligament.
The Modified Weaver-Dunn procedure involves additional stabilisation using strong sutures passed through bone to hold the clavicle back down in place while the ligaments heal.
Rehabilitation after surgery
Following your surgery for AC Joint Reconstruction, you will be in a sling for six weeks. There are gentle exercises to do during the first six weeks but once you come out of the sling, a physiotherapy program will commence. Dr Colvin has a detailed rehabilitation program for you to follow with the guidance of your therapist. Like any reconstructive operation, recovery will extend over many months.
Make an appointment to discuss your options
If you have an AC joint dislocation, there are important decisions to be made about whether surgery is required and what surgery is best for you. When you contact orthopaedic surgeon Dr Colvin at the Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Subiaco Perth, he will be able to give you clear guidelines about what to expect with AC Joint Reconstruction and what rehabilitation will be required.
CO.RE Exercises
In the field of shoulder and knee reconstruction, successful outcomes from an operation are 50% surgery and 50% rehabilitation. You could say the surgery is the easy bit, the rehabilitation is all hard slog. Dr Colvin’s CO.RE exercise programs are just that, a core plan for your successful recovery.
AC Joint Dislocation
AC Joint Dislocation is usually caused by a direct fall onto the point of the shoulder. The shoulder blade is forced downwards, and the collarbone pops up. It is a particularly common injury in contact sports and cycling.
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Bursitis
Get in touch with us!
CONTACT DETAILS
| PHONE | +61 8 9489 8788 |
| FAX | +61 8 9489 8787 |
OPENING HOURS
Consulting Rooms
Dr David Colvin consults at:
Western Orthopaedic Clinic
Suite 213, 25 McCourt Street,
Subiaco WA 6008 (Perth)
- These rooms are part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
- Parking is available on site.
OPERATING
Dr David Colvin operates at: