What are the signs and symptoms of an AC joint separation?
Grade I
Injury:
There may be tenderness
at the joint when touched.
There may be some
bruising around joint.
There is minor pain
with arm movement.
There is no pain in
the area of the coracoclavicular ligaments.
Grade II Injury:
There is moderate
to severe pain at the joint.
Swelling may be present.
There is pain with arm movement.
There may be a small
bump on the top of the shoulder where the clavicle
ends.
The clavicle may move when pushed.
The area of the coracoclavicular
ligaments may be painful when touched.
Grade III Injury:
Typically, the injured
person immediately supports the elbow while holding
the arm close to the side. This prevents the pain
outward arm movement would cause.
Pain is present with
any arm motion.
Pain is present around
the joint and in the area of the coracoclavicular
ligaments.
Swelling is present.
As the joint moves,
a popping sound may occur.
There is shoulder deformity
and a bump on the top of the shoulder.
