ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

What is acromioclavicular joint dislocation?

9 January 2026

When there is a dislocation of the acromion (a part of the shoulder blade situated over the shoulder joint) and the clavicle (collarbone), causing them to lose contact with each other, we call it an acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Types and Causes

There are three types of acromioclavicular dislocation:

  • Mild (Grade I): Only a stretching of the acromioclavicular ligaments occurs, with no bone separation.
  • Moderate (Grade II): The acromioclavicular ligaments tear, and the coracoclavicular ligaments are stretched.
  • Severe (Grade III): Both the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are completely torn, leading to morphological abnormalities in the shoulder.

Among the most frequent causes of AC joint dislocation, the main one is falling onto the shoulder, whether from contact sports, activities, or accidents. In these cases, the impact causes the shoulder to move downwards and the clavicle upwards, resulting in ligament rupture and joint separation.

This injury has a high incidence in young people, as it is mainly related to sports practice and activities like cycling and motorcycling.

Signs and symptoms Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

The symptoms are:

  • Sudden and intense pain at the moment of the injury.
  • Inflammation (swelling).
  • Sore joint.
  • Limitations of movement.
  • Increase in shoulder size (swelling/deformity).
  • Shoulder deformity in severe injuries.

Diagnosis and treatment Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Once the orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination, carefully examining your shoulder and asking you to make certain movements and adopt certain postures to verify your pain reactions and dynamic limitations.

Additionally, to rule out other injuries, confirm the diagnosis, and determine the severity of the AC joint dislocation, they will request various imaging studies such as:

  • X-rays.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The treatment to follow will depend on the type and severity of the dislocation:

Mild and Moderate Dislocation:

  • Analgesics (painkillers).
  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Rest and immobilization of the shoulder.
  • Physical therapy.

Severe Dislocation:

  • Surgical repair: Various procedures exist, but the most common are tendon grafting, the insertion of Kirschner wires, and arthroscopic stabilization using a fixation device.
  • Physical therapy: A rehabilitation exercise program to restore strength and movement.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the musculoskeletal system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

Related centers and departments Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation

Centro de Ortopedia y Traumatología
Centro de Cirugía de Alta Especialidad
Radiología e Imagen Molecular
Laboratorio Clínico

Fuentes:

  • centralcoastortho.com
  • aaos.org
  • orthoinfo.aaos.org
  • cun.es
  • fisify.com
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Gaytán-Fernández S, Blanco-Ochoa LC, Barragán-Hervella RG, et al. Manejo quirúrgico de la luxación acromioclavicular grado III con sistema de anclaje doble botón. Acta Ortop Mex. 2019 Sep-Oct;33(5):314-318. doi:10.35366/OR195J.
  • González RM, Pereda CO, Cutiño MA, et al. Transposición del ligamento coracoacromial en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la luxación acromioclavicular aguda. Rev Cub Med Mil . 2017;46(3):223-233.
  • Zimbrón LD, Reyes SR, Algarín RJA, et al. Tratamiento de la luxación acromioclavicular. Comparación de tres diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas. Acta Med. 2018;16(1):35-40.
  • Rodríguez BFJ, Pérez MR. Tratamiento de la luxación acromioclavicular en el deportista. Ortho-tips. 2016;12(3):168-176.

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