Acromioclavicular Separation (Separated Shoulder)

A fall at the shoulder can cause an “AC Separation”. This causes pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity that makes it appear as if the collar bone “sticks up”.

A separated shoulder is usually treated with rest, ice and pain medication. Physical therapy can also be used to restore motion. Surgery is rarely necessary. Sometimes, however, the ligaments connecting the collar bone and the shoulder blade can be repaired.