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Shoulder Separation
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The term “shoulder
separation” is not the same as the term “shoulder dislocation.” Dislocation
of the shoulder implies that the main shoulder joint comes apart to where the
“ball” (head of the humerus, or arm bone) is no longer on the “saucer”
(glenoid process of the scapula, or shoulder blade). In contrast, shoulder
separation indicates that a much smaller joint, called the acromioclavicular
joint, has been injured. The acromioclavicular joint is basically the
articulation of the clavicle (collarbone) and the acromion process of the
scapula (shoulder blade). This small joint is located directly above the
main shoulder joint and is often injured from direct blows to the top
of the shoulder or from being thrown and landing on the top of the shoulder
when one hits the ground. Such an injury drives the acromion process down
while the collarbone maintains its position. This ruptures ligaments
connecting the two bones and causes the collarbone to “rise up” compared to
the acromion. Consequently, a bump on the top of the shoulder
is often created with this injury. |
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There are many
different grades of shoulder separation. Most can heal in the sense that the
swelling and discomfort go away and function returns, even if the relationship
between the collar bone and the acromion is not restored. However, if there
is a wide degree of separation, patients often have persistent pain and
weakness. These wider degrees of separation often require surgical
reconstruction in order to bring the collarbone back down to a more normal
position in relation to the scapula. |
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