Diagnosis and Nonoperative Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in Athletes and Guide for Return to Play

Brittany Olsen; Bonnie Gregory

doi:10.1016/j.csm.2023.05.003

Diagnosis and Nonoperative Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in Athletes and Guide for Return to Play

Clin Sports Med. 2023 Oct;42(4):573-587. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2023.05.003. Epub 2023 Jul 1.

Authors

Brittany Olsen¹, Bonnie Gregory²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/McGovern Medical School, 6400 Fannin Street, Suite 1700, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/McGovern Medical School, 6400 Fannin Street, Suite 1700, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: bonnie.p.gregory@uth.tmc.edu.

PMID: 37716722
DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2023.05.003

Abstract

Injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint accounts for approximately 40% to 50% of all shoulder injuries. In contact sports, the prevalence of AC joint injury increases. This injury is frequently encountered and treated by fellowship-trained as well as general orthopedic surgeons. As such, it is important to understand the diagnostic and treatment pathways for AC joint disruption. The treatment pathways in athletes may be different from those in the general population. This article will focus on the diagnosis and nonoperative treatment of AC joint injuries in athletes. We will also comment on return-to-play guidelines after this nonoperative treatment.

Keywords: AC joint; AC sprain; Acromioclavicular joint; Shoulder separation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acromioclavicular Joint*
Athletes
Humans
Return to Sport
Shoulder Injuries* / diagnosis
Shoulder Injuries* / therapy
Sports*