Ac Joint Separation X Ray

The acromioclavicular joint is a synovial articulation between the distal clavicle and the acromion.

Ac joint separation x ray. Acromioclavicular joint injuries are characterized by damage to the acromioclavicular joint and surrounding structures. Like many orthopedic conditions ac joint separations can range from mild to very severe. The ac joint grading system includes a scale of six grades and is determined by an ac joint separation grading x ray and mri. X rays can sometimes confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the injury.

An acromioclavicular joint separation or ac separation is a very frequent injury among physically active people in this injury the clavicle collar bone separates from the scapula shoulder blade. Ac radiographs are performed for a variety of indications including. Separation may heal with soft tissue calcification or ossification. Harris j and harris w.

Fracture of distal end of clavicle is frequently associated with cc tears with or without separation of ac ligament. A separated shoulder can usually be identified during a physical exam. Almost invariably traumatic in etiology they range in severity from a mild sprain to complete disruption. The acromioclavicular ac joint radiographic series is used to evaluate the acromioclavicular joint and the distal clavicle.

Loss of alignment of the inferior surfaces of the clavicle and acromion indicates disruption of the acromioclavicular ligaments at the acromioclavicular joint acj. Football players and cyclists who fall over the handlebars are often subject. Treatment is often based on grading based on a standard x ray. Non displaced sprain type 1 partially dislocated joint type 2 and completely dislocated type 3.

The acromioclavicular joint can be assessed with standard shoulder x rays. A type i ac separation involves direct trauma to the shoulder causing the injury to ligaments that form the joint but no severe tearing or fracture. Minor ligamentous disruption may not be detectable on a plain radiograph as alignment is not lost. It is commonly caused by a fall directly on the point of the shoulder or a direct blow received in a contact sport.

But in many people who have a low grade separated shoulder early x rays are often normal. The original grading system had three grades. Direct blows to the shoulder region. And separation of the ac joint in a type iii ac joint separation.

It can be classified into 6 types. What is the ac joint.