Dallas AC Joint Surgeon
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the acromion to the clavicle (collar bone). The acromion is a bony projection of the shoulder blade, also called the scapula, that provides stability and facilitates shoulder movement. Severe injuries, such as AC separation or dislocation, may require initial treatment or surgery to repair ligaments or reconstruct damaged structures, often involving acromioclavicular joint reconstruction.
The AC joint, which is a small but critical flexible joint located at the top of the shoulder, connects the acromion (a bony projection of the scapula called the shoulder blade) to the clavicle (collar bone) —- playing a really vital role in providing stability and facilitating a wide range of shoulder movements, including lifting and reaching with forward flexion and internal and external rotation of the upper arm bone (humerus). It is important to note that severe injuries, such as AC joint separation or shoulder dislocation, which can result from direct trauma like falls or sports collisions, may require initial conservative treatment or, in more severe cases, surgical intervention such as arthroscopic surgery to repair torn acromioclavicular ligaments or reconstruct damaged joint structures nvolving the coracoclavicular ligaments and soft tissues around the ball and socket joint of the glenohumeral joint.
If you’re seeking expert care and treatment options for these shoulder conditions contact our office.
The Procedures & AC Jpint Separation Treatment Options
Before considering surgical intervention, Dr. Thornton, a Dallas AC joint surgeon, often helps explore conservative treatment options to manage AC joint injuries— especially for less severe cases. These non-surgical approaches work to alleviate shoulder pain and promote healing through non-surgical treatments such as medications, injections, and physical therapy. This is done through rest, immobilization with a sling, physical therapy, and pain management with medications. However, when conservative methods fail to provide adequate relief, or in cases of severe ligament tears or dislocations, surgical procedures become necessary, including arthroscopic surgery and other surgical options. Surgical intervention aims to restore function and relieve pain, addressing damage to shoulder muscles, shoulder bones, and torn ligaments around the AC joint and coracoid process.
Your surgery addresses AC joint injuries such as ligament tears or dislocations. By repairing damaged tissues or reconstructing the joint with a tendon graft, often using autografts or allografts, your Dallas AC joint doctor can restore stability and alignment. This procedure can alleviate pain caused by shoulder conditions and reestablish shoulder function, including smooth movement and internal rotation. The surgery may involve minimally invasive techniques or open surgery under regional or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Optimal results require strict compliance with post-operative instructions from your orthopedic team. Your Dallas AC joint specialist has provided the following general guidelines for recovery, which support faster recovery and help you return to normal activities. Please follow these to prevent revision surgery, unless you are provided specific instructions, which always take priority.
FAQS
Post-Operative Care
What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure
- After the surgical repair, you do not have dietary restrictions unless your doctor tells you otherwise. In general, stick to clear fluids and light foods for the first 24-48 hours.
- Heavy, greasy meals may cause stomach upset. Prescription pain medications can make this worse. If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office/
- Ensure adequate hydration by consuming plenty of water daily to support the healing process.
Caring for Incisions
Incisions have been made to facilitate the surgical procedure. Below are some general instructions for incision care:
- Keep the surgical dressing in its original state until your first follow-up appointment. We will remove it for you.
- Mild swelling is normal, especially around the clavicle (collar bone) area. You may also notice light spotting on your bandages. If saturation occurs, apply an additional sterile layer of gauze. Contact our office if you experience profuse bleeding and significant swelling.
- To prevent infection of the surgical site, keep the incision site dry. After the first 24 hours, you may shower by covering the shoulder with a waterproof barrier, such as a securely fastened plastic bag. You want to ensure that no water reaches the incision. Do not immerse your incision in a bath.
- Avoid applying topical ointments or lotions on the incision site unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- After we remove your stitches, you may get your incision site wet; however, immersion is still prohibited until your doctor clears you.
Pain and Medication Guidelines
*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions and procedure.
- Anesthesia administered during surgery will begin to wear off within 6 to 10 hours. During this time, you may begin to feel pain. Discomfort in the shoulder and upper chest usually peaks around day 2-3.
- Take all prescribed pain medication as indicated on the label. If your prescription does not provide relief or causes allergic reactions, contact our office.
- Prescription pain medications can cause a range of side effects. Many patients feel sleepy or dizzy while taking them. You may also experience constipation or digestive upset. A stool softener can help with this.
- Prescription pain medications can cloud your judgment and slow your reaction time. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking these medications.
- Let your doctor know if you are at risk for developing blood clots. Call our office immediately if you notice signs of a clot, including severe arm pain, unusual swelling or discoloration.
Your Mobility Following AC Joint Surgery
- Rest with the operative shoulder supported in a sling to prevent further AC joint injuries. Keep the arm elevated slightly with a pillow under your elbow when seated or lying down. This can help to reduce swelling and strain for the first 5-7 days.
- Use the provided sling continuously unless directed otherwise by your surgeon. Avoid all overhead reaching, lifting or pushing/pulling motions with the affected arm for at least 4-6 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
- Refrain from physical activities that may stress your shoulder for the first 7-10 days following discharge. Avoid activities like carrying bags, rotating your arm outward or sleeping on the operative side.
- Avoid prolonged periods of unsupported arm use or long-distance travel for at least 14 days following surgery as these activities may cause discomfort or swelling.
- Driving is not permitted until authorized by your doctor. Many patients are able to return to driving after 4-6 weeks.
- You may return to work after two to four weeks provided your arm remains in the sling and pain is manageable.
Proper Usage of Your Sling
- Wear the prescribed sling at all times, including during sleep, to immobilize the shoulder and protect the AC joint. The sling maintains proper joint alignment and prevents unintended motion, so it must not be removed without guidance from your doctor.
- Temporary removal for hygiene activities like underarm washing will be determined by your doctor. Do not adjust or discontinue its use on your own as this can lead to joint injuries.
Use a Cold Pack for Swelling
Cold therapy in the form of cold packs or ice can reduce swelling and pain. Use caution to avoid getting your incision site wet.
- Start cold therapy immediately following surgery to manage swelling and discomfort around the upper chest and collarbone. Apply a cold pack or prescribed cooling device over the area for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours.
- Do not apply cold therapy directly to your skin. Place a protective towel, old shirt or plastic bag between the cold source and your skin to prevent irritation.
Movement and Stretching Guidelines
- Start gentle exercises, such as finger and wrist flexion/extension or passive pendulum motions (if approved), approximately 36 hours post-surgery. These should involve no active movement to prevent joint injuries.
- Temporary stiffness and discomfort in the shoulder and upper arm is common during the early recovery phase. Extreme or intractable pain means you should call our office.
- Perform your prescribed exercises 2-3 times daily to promote circulation in the arm and prevent elbow or hand stiffness.
- Engage in frequent hand and wrist movements throughout the day to reduce the risk of circulatory system complications.
- You may have been ordered to start physical therapy 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Our office can help you coordinate your appointment with a physical therapist.
CALL US IF…
Reach out right away if you notice:
- Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
- Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
- Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
- Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
- Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.
An Arthroscopic AC Joint Injury can be limiting. Find relief and regain your Shoulder’s stability with the help of Dallas AC joint Surgeon
Dr. Thornton sees patients with shoulder instability, biceps tendon injuries, frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, and other shoulder injuries and conditions including those affecting the trapezius muscle and the four tendons of the rotator cuff, the most flexible joint in the body. Contact Dr. Thornton’s office to learn about effective treatment strategies, including shoulder replacement options, and start your journey towards a healthier shoulder.