Relieving Pain from Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: Treatment Options - Orthopedics

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Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation can be a painful and debilitating condition, especially following trauma such as a car accident. Your description indicates that you have been experiencing persistent pain and discomfort in your shoulder for over a year and that it has affected your daily activities. Here’s a comprehensive overview of treatment options and considerations for relieving pain from an AC joint dislocation.


Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can be beneficial. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises aimed at strengthening the shoulder muscles, improving range of motion, and stabilizing the joint. This may include stretching exercises, resistance training, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. If over-the-counter medications are insufficient, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers or corticosteroids to help alleviate severe pain.

3. Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate your shoulder pain is crucial. This may involve modifying your daily activities or avoiding overhead lifting and heavy lifting until your symptoms improve.

4. Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the AC joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. This can be particularly useful if conservative measures are not providing sufficient relief.

5. Bracing: In some cases, a shoulder brace or sling may be recommended to provide support and limit movement, allowing the joint to heal.


Surgical Treatment Options
If conservative treatments fail to provide relief and your symptoms persist, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options include:
1. AC Joint Reconstruction: This procedure involves repairing the ligaments that stabilize the AC joint. Surgeons may use various techniques, including the use of grafts to restore stability.

2. Distal Clavicle Resection: In cases where there is significant arthritis or impingement in the AC joint, removing a small portion of the distal clavicle can relieve pain and improve function.

3. Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive techniques may be used to address the dislocation and any associated injuries within the joint.


When to Consider Surgery
Surgery is typically considered when:
- Pain persists despite extensive conservative treatment.

- There is significant loss of function or mobility in the shoulder.

- The dislocation is causing other complications, such as impingement or rotator cuff injuries.


Finding the Right Specialist
Given your location in Taichung, it would be advisable to seek out an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder injuries. Look for a physician who has experience with AC joint dislocations and can provide a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like MRI if necessary. You may also want to consider consulting with a sports medicine specialist, as they often have expertise in treating shoulder injuries related to trauma.


Conclusion
In summary, while non-surgical treatments can be effective for many individuals with AC joint dislocation, persistent symptoms may warrant surgical evaluation. It’s essential to have a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, treatment history, and goals for recovery. They can help guide you toward the most appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation. Remember, recovery can take time, and a multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapy, medication, and possibly surgery may be necessary to achieve the best outcome.