Acromioclavicular Separation Surgery

[@markd5005]

I had this surgery 9 days ago for a Grade 3 AC separation that happened three weeks ago. I can tell you it was definitely more painful just after the surgery than it was just after the injury, but that's why they give you pain meds. I took them for about 5 days, and at night for a couple more, but have been off them for a few days now. I'm no longer in pain but it's still uncomfortable to sleep on my non injured side, something I was able to do a week after the injury. I'll be starting PT in a few days. Definitely glad I got the surgery.

[@gabenir5117]

How do you feel now? Getting the surgery next month

[@Zoranicc]

@@gabenir5117 how are you today?

[@sergiocabrerajuarez5064]

How much was the surgery?

[@barrymacocknher3720]

Give us an update dude

[@daveykim]

Informative video. Just wanted to share my personal experience. Today has been 3 weeks since this surgery. I've been off my sling since day 16 and actually started PT yesterday. So that is much quicker than the timeline in this video. But PT/Surgeon said it was okay. I am 27, fit-ish, and healthy so I'm sure that factored in...but I guess I'm a little worried since I'm already doing PT. It was a Class 5 Separation AND a clean scapula break...g d snowboarding.

[@Bulletfamily.]

How long till you fully recovered 100%

[@serjtubin]

I also had grade 5 and also from snowboarding:) did a surgery 5 days ago, so far so good

[@johnmac9995]

I had this surgery nearly 4 years ago after an over the bars crash on a bicycle at over 30mph. It was a grade 5 initially but was moved when manipulated in A&E. I was told it could be treated without surgery but opted for surgery due to physical nature of my job and long term issues. I had the ACJ tightrope procedure 10 days post crash, I was told it had to be within 14days due to scar tissue and initial healing making it difficult. As others have said 24hrs post op was horrific with borderline unbearable pain (despite strong relief) not help by only having day surgery so discharged about 6 hours post op. Anyway 4 years post op it's been perfect, bar a slight loss of symmetry between shoulders and a small amount of numbness around the scar site my shoulder is bang on. Day to day no issues, and full range of movement. It's still weaker than my non injured side but that's down to a lack of strength training being a weenie cyclist. I can still rock climb on it and really put a lot of force through it without issue. Biggest issue is the much longer recovery if opting for surgery, the isolation in the sling leads to massive muscle lose so physio is a must for full range of movement. I was off work for 10 weeks but back on a stationary bike with some discomfort at about 4-5 weeks. Any questions just ask.

[@diegoalvarez8605]

What’s up dude I’m about to get this surgery as well this Saturday and I was wondering how much it really hurts after the procedure I’m a freshman and my pain tolerance is still increasing so I was wondering what I would feel after because quit frankley I’m scared for the aftermath of the procedure. What should I do and please tell me what I would facing after the procedure

[@diegoalvarez8605]

And also I had a grade 5 separation

[@johnmac9995]

@@diegoalvarez8605 So it was initially a grade 5, then in A&E they basically pulled on my arm to try and get the collarbone to move. Ended up being a grade 3/4 meaning I was given the choice for surgery which i opted for. The pain for the first couple of days post op was horrific, a factor of 10 more painful than doing it in the first place. As I was a day patient I was rushed out of the hospital a few hours post surgery, but I should've stopped in. The big thing after that was muscle wastage from having my arm in a sling for 7 weeks immobilised. Luckily I wasn't rushed back to work so could spend a lot of time doing physio. Even now without realising my arms resting place is like it's in a sling.

[@diegoalvarez8605]

Thank you for replying. I also want to know how you feel now and if you have any discomfort in your arm. My parents are afraid that in the future my arm is going to hurt and not be the same. What do you have to say about this and what should I tell them based of a person who got this surgery 4 years ago.

[@johnmac9995]

@@diegoalvarez8605 my range of motion is pretty much back to 100%, I have numbness around the scar but that's to be expected. My shoulders are much more symmetrical overall thanks to the operation, many cyclist friends have done the same injury, not had surgery and look very one sided. The only discomfort I have is wearing heavy backpacks or having weight focused on top of my shoulder as the surgery I had left a metal "button" on top of my collarbone. Check out videos on the ACJ tightrope method. I'm much happier now time has passed that I had the operation but recovery takes considerably longer with it than without.

[@Renatomovement]

I had a level 3 maybe 10 years ago, doctor told me if I kept my shoulder strength with exercises I wouldn`t need a surgery, so I did. apart from looking a bit like my right scapula stands higher than the left one, a bit of asymmetry, it never bothered me with pain or discomfort. wonder if one day I should get the surgery done tho...

[@joem5639]

I suffered a grade 3 ac separation a week ago from a bicycling accident to my left shoulder. It never really hurt that bad that I needed pain meds but I do have a 12 mm separation and it’s noticeable. Worn a sling for 2 days and so far I have good range of motion but some movements produce a dull pain. I am 7 days post injury. My surgeon is leaving the decision for surgical procedure up to me but I’m starting to think I should just leave it alone. The post surgery recovery period seems like an awfully long time (which I cannot afford given my job) and other than cosmetics I’m not sure what the benefit really is.

[@Liftbig700]

Same here, 2nd injury the same way. Have full range of motion, and dull pain every once in a while. My left shoulder looks awful, but I refuse to have surgery. Good luck.

[@joem5639]

@@Liftbig700 wow! You had this injury twice? I’m concerned if I hurt my left shoulder again it will be worse and certainly need surgery.

[@grandofurrain9223]

Joe, so.., how are you now? Great or just Ok?

[@sethbeiden1305]

Hoping some of the users from YEARS ago can chime in here. I had a stage 5 crash back in May of this year, was given the option but said if I focused on rehab, I could likely avoid surgery. It sbeen 6 months and I PT'd the hell out of it. I have full range of motion, mostly forget about it other than sleeping on the bad side still huts, on nights when I sleep deep the following day is "bad shoulder day" and chest presses are painful for the final reach of extension. I can ride a bike again no problem, feels 80% normal. There are just some goofy angles that hurt or feel unstable. I am super active, just turned 40, and plan on going hard for 20+ years. I am at a serious crossroads as surgery is an option anytime, but really want to be as fully fixed as I can be for longterm fun. I want to be able to carry a backpack for backpacking, be confident if I crash on moto/bikes a hard landing will be possible with my weak arm and not risk face smashing/concussions. I can swing a golf club, that's awesome, but carrying a bag hurts on that shoulder mostly from rubbing on my golf-ball sized bump. I don't care that it looks weird, I just want it to work. After reading all of the comments on how painful this is, and how LONG the rehab is, I feel like I am going to start over with even longer wait times and more pain. I guess I am concerned that surgery isn't going to be that much better or fix it completely, so it seems like a LOT of pain and time off activity for what? 10% more? I worked super hard at PT rehab, so I know I can do that again, just stuck.

[@sethbeiden1305]

Hoping some of the users from YEARS ago can chime in here. I had a stage 5 crash back in May of this year, was given the option but said if I focused on rehab, I could likely avoid surgery. It sbeen 6 months and I PT'd the hell out of it. I have full range of motion, mostly forget about it other than sleeping on the bad side still huts, on nights when I sleep deep the following day is "bad shoulder day" and chest presses are painful for the final reach of extension. I can ride a bike again no problem, feels 80% normal. There are just some goofy angles that hurt or feel unstable. I am super active, just turned 40, and plan on going hard for 20+ years. I am at a serious crossroads as surgery is an option anytime, but really want to be as fully fixed as I can be for longterm fun. I want to be able to carry a backpack for backpacking, be confident if I crash on moto/bikes a hard landing will be possible with my weak arm and not risk face smashing/concussions. I can swing a golf club, that's awesome, but carrying a bag hurts on that shoulder mostly from rubbing on my golf-ball sized bump. I don't care that it looks weird, I just want it to work. After reading all of the comments on how painful this is, and how LONG the rehab is, I feel like I am going to start over with even longer wait times and more pain. I guess I am concerned that surgery isn't going to be that much better or fix it completely, so it seems like a LOT of pain and time off activity for what? 10% more? I worked super hard at PT rehab, so I know I can do that again, just stuck.

[@badasssalsa]

Sweet. Now all i have to do is fight insurance claims. I'm pretty sure $25K of liability Ins. is Not gonna cover my extended recovery time. I feel this video has concerned the crap out of me at 330AM on a random thursday morning. thank you. Crikies!

[@MrDukedingo]

Thanks for postings this video and sharing your story. Called Dr Struhl today and got and appointment for 2 days later. After a car accident in oct of 2019 as was told I had a grade two a/c separation and was just sent to PT. While going to PT I noticed that my rhomboid minor muscle was perpetually contracted(knotted). I would get some temporary relief with heat and massage but it would always come back. The knot was so prominent that if I abducted my arm straight away from my side that just before 90* my trapezoid muscle pops over it. If you placed your hand over it while doing this it felt like bone on bone crepidice .. when I had my Orthopedist feel this his response was “Oh yeah” and that was it. I found out on my own that if I tape down my a/c joint I get maybe 60% relief in the rhomboid area. I actually was arguing with a orthopod and a ortho PA about a month ago about how I thought I needed the joint put back in place. They were telling me get a steroid injection and I responded “why I have no pain there , you’re not listening to me - I get relief when the a/c joint is reduced back into it’s natural position. Problem is they’ve never fixed someone with my problem. So my fingers are crossed that Dr S can help. Great PSA , wondering how you’re doing now

[@romakayak]

I had surgery for a grade 3/4 separation six weeks ago. I cannot afford physiotherapy as advised by the surgeon at the hospital. At the moment I am doing just range of motion excercises. At 53 years old how long can I expect to be at 75% recovered. many thanks for the video.

[@danielalcorn5754]

They didn't give me an option for surgery or no surgery. The day it happened they rushed me back for surgery. Apparently my clavicle separated from both shoulder and neck 😅 surgery hurts way more than injury

[@motifxs7193]

Finally some smart advice!

[@johnwayne5984]

Sod that guess im going to have to give up weightlifting.

[@dugaldhossack7982]

I had it first for a grade 4 11 years ago, I've done a grade 6 and need an ac resection, so I'm having both done in one op

[@sethbeiden1305]

Hoping some of the users from YEARS ago can chime in here. I had a stage 5 crash back in May of this year, was given the option but said if I focused on rehab, I could likely avoid surgery. It sbeen 6 months and I PT'd the hell out of it. I have full range of motion, mostly forget about it other than sleeping on the bad side still huts, on nights when I sleep deep the following day is "bad shoulder day" and chest presses are painful for the final reach of extension. I can ride a bike again no problem, feels 80% normal. There are just some goofy angles that hurt or feel unstable. I am super active, just turned 40, and plan on going hard for 20+ years. I am at a serious crossroads as surgery is an option anytime, but really want to be as fully fixed as I can be for longterm fun. I want to be able to carry a backpack for backpacking, be confident if I crash on moto/bikes a hard landing will be possible with my weak arm and not risk face smashing/concussions. I can swing a golf club, that's awesome, but carrying a bag hurts on that shoulder mostly from rubbing on my golf-ball sized bump. I don't care that it looks weird, I just want it to work. After reading all of the comments on how painful this is, and how LONG the rehab is, I feel like I am going to start over with even longer wait times and more pain. I guess I am concerned that surgery isn't going to be that much better or fix it completely, so it seems like a LOT of pain and time off activity for what? 10% more? I worked super hard at PT rehab, so I know I can do that again, just stuck.

[@sahilsoni1391]

I have half grade 2 do i Need surgergy because i have pain near shoulder and neck?

[@andyrojas289]

Doesn’t sutures break over time

[@mofro7652]

Just had this it hurts like crazy

[@Thegilgitilad]

I just went thru this syrgery n it sucks. The first night post surgery was the worst one. Im 27 yrs old. Hoping to recover soo .

[@mravex]

Hi , can you tell me how do you feel after the surgery ? I can see it was 2 months ago , according to your comment time. Also what grade did u have ? Am asking cuz i got grade 3 exactly 3 months ago and i choose not to go for the surgery for now. Thanks

[@vgvg4805]

@@mravex hey I have a grade 3 also and didn't get the surgery I'm on week 2 how did you feel and do without the surgery

[@mravex]

@@vgvg4805 Hello there and sorry for the delayed answer. Its been 11 months since i broke my AC. The first 2-3 months were pain , then suddenly i start feel close to zero pain and motion problems. I start training again (push ups , bands.) I can go full 10 triceps pots now , compared to 2 after the first few months. I have played tennis , volleyball and rode bike again on the same route i broke my AC. Still close to zero pain. I would recommend to give it time to recover and start SLOWLY with all the activities you want. The bump is quite noticeable but i dont really care anymore. Im almost 34 years now. Hope u doing fine

[@priyanthalakmal7800]

@@mravex hey are u doing surgery or no please reply this comment i suffering level 3 clavicle fracture

[@priyanthalakmal7800]

@@vgvg4805 are u do surgery please reply brother

[@tinkuclasses1549]

How long it takes to recover completely after surgery...?

[@mulestia87]

My doc said like 4 to 5 months without surgery 4 to 6 weeks with rehab.

[@deepak7741]

@@mulestia87 do u have experience of ac join seperation? And if yes then pla share it

[@mofro7652]

I go for this surgery Monday it's type 3

[@kevinmunive3619]

same i have a type 3 as well

[@sethbeiden1305]

Hoping some of the users from YEARS ago can chime in here. I had a stage 5 crash back in May of this year, was given the option but said if I focused on rehab, I could likely avoid surgery. It sbeen 6 months and I PT'd the hell out of it. I have full range of motion, mostly forget about it other than sleeping on the bad side still huts, on nights when I sleep deep the following day is "bad shoulder day" and chest presses are painful for the final reach of extension. I can ride a bike again no problem, feels 80% normal. There are just some goofy angles that hurt or feel unstable. I am super active, just turned 40, and plan on going hard for 20+ years. I am at a serious crossroads as surgery is an option anytime, but really want to be as fully fixed as I can be for longterm fun. I want to be able to carry a backpack for backpacking, be confident if I crash on moto/bikes a hard landing will be possible with my weak arm and not risk face smashing/concussions. I can swing a golf club, that's awesome, but carrying a bag hurts on that shoulder mostly from rubbing on my golf-ball sized bump. I don't care that it looks weird, I just want it to work. After reading all of the comments on how painful this is, and how LONG the rehab is, I feel like I am going to start over with even longer wait times and more pain. I guess I am concerned that surgery isn't going to be that much better or fix it completely, so it seems like a LOT of pain and time off activity for what? 10% more? I worked super hard at PT rehab, so I know I can do that again, just stuck.

[@lionenduro3088]

i stopped wearing my sling at 4 weeks and now im lifting at 6 weeks woohoo

[@deejisasimp]

Stopped wearing my sling 3 weeks bc my doctor said it was ok and its been 4 months and i cant do lifting or even more than 10 good pushups

[@gabenir5117]

How do you feel now? Getting the surgery next month

[@lionenduro3088]

Gabe Nir took a long time to get back to normal I’ll tel you that. I was in a lot of unconfort I’d say even after 6 weeks and therapy my arm just didn’t feel normal probably because I lost all my muscle. I’m at about 9 weeks now and I’m pretty much completely back to normal no discomfort at all just make sure you DO NOT use your arm for any reason even taking off a shirt be care ful an it will feel like you not getting better for a while but you’ll be fine

[@TamaEnergy]

@@lionenduro3088 why not use at all? im not even 2 weeks post op and i can get changed etc and go for a while without a sling? like its achy for sure but i can do those activities already, if there is no pain i assume this is fine

[@osvaldolucero5101]

Buena

[@mulestia87]

Fuc that give me rehab

[@stubbybutt8839]

What about the torn tendends are they re attached?