Nonsurgical management is the treatment of choice for grades I and II AC separations. This consists of wearing a sling for 1-2 weeks, at which time patients with grade I injuries can return to full activities as pain allows. Grade II injuries often require physical therapy and avoidance of sports and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. Persistent pain is often minimal in the short-term, although up to 50% of grade I and II injuries develop pain...

There are a number of muscles, tendons, and ligaments attaching to the bones of the shoulder (e.g. the scapula, humerus, and clavicle) that maintain the bones in a normal position to one another. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the joint between the acromion (part of the scapula) and the end of the clavicle (collar bone).  The AC joint is normally stabilized by the AC joint capsule...