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| WHAT IS A SHOULDER SEPARATION? |
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| A shoulder separation occurs when you tear the ligaments that hold your collarbone (clavicle) to the joint where it meets the shoulder blade. Your collarbone may move out of its normal place and push up the skin on the top of your shoulder. Another term for shoulder separation is acromioclavicular (AC) separation or sprain. |
| Shoulder separations, or sprains, are graded I, II, or III depending on how far the collarbone is separated from the shoulder
| | - A Grade I sprain has tenderness but no actual separation |
| - A Grade II sprain has slight separation of the clavicle from the shoulder |
| - A Grade III sprain has even more separation |
| HOW DOES IT OCCUR? |
| A shoulder separation can result from a blow to your shoulder or a fall on your shoulder. It can also result from a fall on your outstretched hand or arm. It is a common injury in contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey, or lacrosse. It may occur from falling onto a hard surface, such as might happen during downhill skiing, volleyball, rock climbing, and soccer. |
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| Symptoms include the following: |
| - severe pain at the moment the injury occurs |
| - limited shoulder movement and tenderness on top of your shoulder ar the end of your collarbone |
| - swelling and bruising of your shoulder area |
| - a misshapen shoulder |
| HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? |
Your doctor will examine your shoulder for tenderness, and a bump on the top of your collarbone.
To make sure it is an AC separation and not a fracture, it will be necessary to take x-rays of your shoulder. |
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