Acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction is a procedure performed in the case of a severe shoulder separation. A shoulder separation is a sports injury that commonly occurs in football and hockey players and can happen to cyclists who often fall off their bikes. If the collarbone becomes displaced, it can be repositioned to restore normal function. Traditionally, this procedure was done through a large incision on the top of the shoulder. At Dines Orthopedic, our team can perform this surgery arthroscopically, which can minimize complications associated with this procedure. During this surgery, the AC joint is restored using a tendon graft to reconstruct the ligaments that attach the coracoid to the collarbone. This surgery is done daily, and physical therapy usually starts a week after the procedure.
