AC Joint Stabilisation

The Acromioclavicular or ‘AC’ Joint is supported by several ligaments. The joint itself has little movement, but it actually helps the entire shoulder blade move and rotate. It can get injured from a fall at high speed, such as from a bicycle or horse, or during contact and collision sports like AFL and rugby. Read more about Acromioclavicular instability here.

An AC joint stabilisation is indicated for high grade AC joint separations and for those that do not improve with non-operative management. The procedure essentially involves restoring the normal position and anatomy of the clavicle (collar bone) in relation to the scapula (shoulder blade). To achieve this, various implants may be required, including surgical buttons, grafts and sometimes a plate.

As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of:

• • Infection
  • Wound healing problems – very unlikely with keyhole incisions
  • Cardiovascular risks – stroke, heart attack, blood clots
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling of the operated limb – generally subsides within weeks
  • Pain – discomfort is expected after an operation, however pain medications are used in a routine manner to relieve this post-operative discomfort

Specific risks of AC joint stabilisation surgery:

• • Damage to nerves around the shoulder
  • Fracture (very rare)
  • Change in appearance of the AC joint
  • Recurrent instability

Immediate post-op 

After your operation you will be taken to the recovery room of the hospital, and allowed to have something to drink. When the team is happy the anaesthetic has worn off, you will be transferred to the day surgery area or to your inpatient room depending on whether you will be staying overnight. A sling / shoulder immobiliser would have been placed on your arm in the operating room, and should keep your arm comfortable and safe. If a nerve block has been performed by our anaesthetist, then your arm should feel comfortable but numb for up to 24 hours after the operation. When pins-and-needles are felt in the hand and arm then the block is starting to wear off, and your nursing staff will commence pain medication to keep you comfortable.

Discharge from hospital 

On discharge from hospital you will be given:

• Physiotherapy – instructions on exercises that should commence for the shoulder, elbow and wrist. This will involve daily stretching exercises to be commenced in the first week.
• Sling – instructions on the use of your sling, including whether it is allowed to be removed.
• Dressings – please keep dressings dry and do not remove them.
• Follow up appointment time

Follow up 

A follow up appointment will have been made for you after the operation. This will typically be an appointment around the 2-3 weeks after the surgery. If you have any concerns before this appointment, call Dr Yu’s clinic on (08) 7099 0188 to speak with us.