Skeletal Trauma > Shoulder > Acromio-Clavicular Joint Separation

Acromio-Clavicular Joint Separation

Type I Type II Type III Partial tear of the acromioclavicular ligament with no displacement. Disruption of the acromioclavicular ligament and widening of the acromioclavicular joint. Disruption of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments and widening of the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular joints.

To differentiate Type II from Type III, one can take an AP stress view of the AC joint, where the patient suspends 10-15 pound weights from each wrist.

AP stress view of Type III separation

AP stress view of Type II separation