How long does AC joint surgery take to heal?
The recovery time varies from patient to patient, but full recovery typically occurs within 6-12 weeks. A return to contact sports may require more recovery time to reduce the risk of re-injury. Some degree of protrusion at the AC joint often remains but does not require surgery.
What can I expect after AC joint surgery?
After surgery, patients can expect to wear a sling for about four weeks and lower arm exercises may begin immediately after the two to three weeks immobilization. Most rehabilitation programs will begin after the sling is removed and will at least 6 to 8 weeks to regain full motion of the shoulder.
How long does AC shoulder surgery take?
Reconstructive shoulder surgery typically takes about two hours. Torn ligaments need to be sewn together and your collarbone may need to be repositioned in the AC joint.
How long does it take to recover from a separated shoulder surgery?
Most people enjoy a full recovery after conservative treatment. A minor separation usually heals within a few weeks. A more severe separation might take several weeks to months to heal. You might always have a noticeable bump on the affected shoulder, but it shouldn’t affect your ability to use that shoulder.
How can I speed up my AC joint recovery?
Treatment may include:
- Rest. This allows your shoulder to heal.
- Sling. This protects the shoulder and holds the joint in a good position for healing.
- Cold packs. These help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines. These help relieve pain and swelling.
- Arm and shoulder exercises.
What does a torn AC joint feel like?
Some of the signs and symptoms of AC injury are: Pain when lying on the involved side. Pain increases with heavy lifting or overhead and across body movements. Swelling and bruising along the shoulder. Tenderness over the AC joint.
How do you sleep with a torn AC joint?
Give these positions a try:
- Sit in a reclined position. You may find sleeping in a reclined position more comfortable than lying flat on your back.
- Lie flat on your back with your injured arm propped up with a pillow. Using a pillow may help reduce stress and pressure on your injured side.
- Lie on your uninjured side.
What is an AC shoulder sprain?
An AC joint separation, or AC joint sprain, is an injury to the ligaments which hold the acromioclavicular joint together at the top of the shoulder.
What is AC joint reconstruction?
Acromioclavicular joint (AC) reconstruction. is surgery to repair a ligament injury. A ligament is connective tissue that connects bones or holds a joint together. The AC is where the highest point of your shoulder bone meets your clavicle (collarbone).
What is joint shoulder surgery?
Shoulder arthroplasty is also known as shoulder joint replacement surgery. It is a surgical procedure in which the shoulder joint is replaced with a ball, stem, socket made of cobalt chrome or titanium metal, and plastic. Shoulder arthroplasty isn’t as common as hip or knee replacement,…
What is the CPT code for AC joint reconstruction?
CPT code 23552 (AC joint resection and reconstruction + CC ligament reconstruction with graft) and CPT 23515 (Open reduction and internal fixation of clavicle).
