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.

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.

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.

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.

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.