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An acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a common injury among active individuals. This occurs when the clavicle (collarbone) becomes detached from the scapula (shoulder blade). It is typically caused by a direct impact to the shoulder's tip or a forceful blow, often during contact sports. Athletes like football players and cyclists, particularly those who fall over handlebars, are especially prone to AC joint separations.
AC joint separation repair is performed to treat a significant injury to the acromioclavicular joint, where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the highest point of the shoulder blade (acromion). This injury, often caused by falls, sports trauma, or direct blows to the shoulder, leads to pain, instability, and impaired shoulder function. Surgical repair is usually recommended for moderate to severe separations (Grade III and above) or when non-surgical methods fail to restore strength and stability, particularly in active individuals or athletes.
See a doctor if you experience shoulder pain, swelling, visible bump or deformity on top of the shoulder, loss of range of motion, or weakness following a fall or impact injury. Mild AC separations may be treated conservatively, but persistent pain or visible deformity needs evaluation by an orthopaedic or sports medicine specialist for possible surgical repair.
Preparation begins with X-rays and/or MRI to assess the severity of the separation and damage to surrounding ligaments. A physical exam will evaluate strength and function. Prior to surgery, patients undergo pre-anaesthesia clearance and routine blood tests. You’ll be advised to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure. Instructions will be given on medications to stop, sling usage, and post-op recovery expectations.
AC joint repair can be performed via open surgery or arthroscopically, depending on the severity of the injury and surgeon’s preference.
- Ligament Reconstruction:
Torn ligaments are reconstructed using grafts (synthetic or from your own body) to stabilise the clavicle to the coracoid or acromion. - Clavicle Stabilisation:
Screws, sutures, or tightrope fixation devices are used to reposition and hold the clavicle in place during healing. - Arthroscopic-Assisted Technique:
Minimally invasive, involves smaller incisions and quicker recovery time.
Surgery typically lasts 1 to 2 hours. Most patients go home the same day. A sling is worn for 3–6 weeks, depending on the repair. Total recovery varies but typically takes 3 to 6 months for full return to sports or overhead activity.
- Infection
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Recurrent instability or loss of reduction
- Hardware irritation
- Stiffness or frozen shoulder
- Delayed healing of the joint or ligaments
- Restores normal alignment and function of the AC joint
- Relieves chronic pain and shoulder weakness
- Improves range of motion and shoulder stability
- Enables return to active lifestyle or sports
- Prevents long-term complications like arthritis or deformity
Initially, the arm is kept in a sling to protect the joint. Passive motion exercises may begin within a few weeks under supervision. Physical therapy focuses on restoring motion, strength, and gradual return to activity. Overhead or contact sports may be delayed until complete ligament healing. Full return to sports and strenuous activity is often allowed after 12–16 weeks.
AC joint repair has a success rate of 85–95%, especially in younger, active patients. Most individuals regain near-normal shoulder strength, motion, and function. Early surgical intervention in high-grade injuries leads to better outcomes and lower risk of future joint complications.
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Vinmec Smart City Hospital
Ha noi, Vietnam
- Vietnam’s growing population and rising expectations for medical quality have put increasing pressure on the national healthcare system.
- Many public hospitals are operating at full capacity, resulting in long waiting times and limited access to advanced treatments.
- There is a clear need for well-equipped private hospitals that can offer efficient, modern, and internationally standardised healthcare.
- To meet this demand, Vinmec Smart City International Hospital was established in the rapidly developing Vinhomes Smart City area of Hanoi.
- The hospital was designed with the capacity to serve tens of thousands of patients annually, addressing both local and international healthcare needs.
- Vinmec Smart City International Hospital officially opened in October 2024, marking the eighth addition to the Vinmec healthcare network.
- The facility spans a large, modern campus and comprises 14 specialised departments, covering areas such as surgery, obstetrics, rehabilitation, and internal medicine.
- It integrates high-end medical technologies sourced from globally recognised brands to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
- A significant innovation is the implementation of a fully digital electronic medical records system, enabling the fast and secure sharing of patient data among healthcare teams.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are applied in various clinical processes, such as disease screening, diagnosis, and designing personalised treatment plans.
- The hospital also features a dedicated Cell and Gene Therapy Centre, offering breakthrough therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy for cancer patients, thereby positioning the hospital at the forefront of medical advancements.
- The hospital strives to deliver exceptional medical care that meets international healthcare standards, prioritising safety, quality, and a patient-centred approach.
- It aims to alleviate pressure on overloaded public hospitals by providing high-quality, efficient, and accessible private medical services.
- By combining innovation, skilled professionals, and modern infrastructure, Vinmec Smart City strives to become a regional leader in medical excellence.
- The long-term vision includes becoming a referral centre for complex treatments, not only in Vietnam but also across Southeast Asia.
Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre
Chennai, India
2.9 ( 1 Reviews )
Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre located in Chennai, India is accredited by ISO, JCI, NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The best minds in healthcare including specialists, and other healthcare professionals work together to treat patients with simple to complex and critical conditions.
- The number of inpatients and outpatients (annually) are 35,000 and 2,50,000 respectively.
- A wide range of surgical specialties, sub specialties are available in Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre Chennai.
- The bed capacity of the hospital is 800 which is inclusive of 200 Intensive Care Unit beds.
- Blood Bank and Eye Bank are available on a 24/7 basis.
Jaypee Hospital
Noida, India
Jaypee Hospital located in Noida, India is accredited by ISO, NABH, NABL. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 525 beds in the first phase
- 150 Critical Care beds
- 325 ward beds with Suite, Deluxe, Twin Sharing, and Economy options
- 18 Modular OTs
- 4 Cardiac Catheterization Lab with unqie Hybrid Operating Room
- 24 bedded Advanced Neonatal ICUs20 bedded Dialysis Units
- 2 Linear Accelerator (IMRT, VMAT, I
- GRT), Wide Bore CT Simulator, one Brachytherapy Suite
- True Beam STx Linear Accelerator
- 2 MRI (3.0 Tesla) with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
- 64 Slice PET CT, Gamma Camera, Dual Head 6 Slice SPECT CT
- 256 Slice CT Scan, CT Simulation
- Amongst the few GOLD LEED-certified hospital buildings in India
- Appointment Scheduling
- Flow motion 64 Slice PET CT technology
- Pick and drop facility from/to the Airport
- Foreign exchange facility
- Treatment packages
- Visa assistance
- Admission in the hospital
- Wi-Fi/internet service in the room
- Travel arrangement for patient & attendant after discharge
- Tele-consults after discharge
- Dedicated Guest House for International Patients maintained by Jaypee Hospital
- In-house translators for patient’s comfort
- Assistance in getting doctor’s opinion
- Registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office
- Accommodation arrangements after discharge
- Accommodation arrangement for the accompanying attendant
- Customized diet for patient and attendant
- Laundry services
- Prayer room
- Dialysis facility for 60 patients
- Cadaver organs
- Blood bank facilities
- Advanced Laboratory facilities
- Diagnostic and Radiology facilities
- High-end Ultrasound facilities
Fortis Hiranandani Hospital
Mumbai, India
- Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, is a leading NABH-accredited multi-super speciality hospital offering advanced tertiary care with over 150 beds.
- The hospital is known for clinical excellence in Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Organ Transplants, Urology, Gastroenterology, and Critical Care.
- With a strong team of experienced doctors, modern medical technology, and international patient services, the hospital provides comprehensive and patient-focused treatment.
- It maintains high standards of safety, hygiene, and quality care, making it a trusted healthcare destination in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh
Delhi, India
4.5 ( 4 Reviews )
- Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, is a leading multi-super-speciality hospital established in 2010, known for advanced medical technology and compassionate patient care.
- The hospital has 375 beds, including 166 ICU beds, and features 10 modular operating theatres along with specialised ICUs and Level III NICU/PICU. Fortis Shalimar Bagh offers care across Cardiology, Neurosciences, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Transplants, Urology, and Mother & Child Health, supported by NABH and NABL accreditation.
- Equipped with cutting-edge technology like the Da Vinci Surgical Robot, PET-CT Scanner, and CORI Robotic System, the hospital is recognised for excellence in treatment outcomes, patient comfort, and multidisciplinary care, making it a trusted destination for both domestic and international patients.
Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital
Delhi, India
Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital located in New Delhi, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- One of the biggest tertiary care hospitals in India
- Facility is fusion of state of the art technology, competent clinicians, and world-class infrastructure
- 230 beds
- 70 bedded medical and surgical and Critical Care Unit
- Ward Bed Options- Twin, Deluxe, Sharing and Economy
- Pneumatic Tube System
- Ambulance Services 24x7
- 15 Bedded dialysis unit
- Advanced Neonatal ICU
- Advanced imaging services, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scanning, digital mammography, ultrasound
- 8 modular OTs
- Flat Panel Cath Labs
- LASIK - SMILE Suite
- Wellness Lounge
- State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
- 15 Dialysis beds
- 24x7 ‘Trauma & Emergency Center
- Dedicated blood bank
- 24x7 comprehensive patient care.
- Deployed high-end technologies & smart digital system
- Robust Hospital Information Systems to meet complex medical needs of patients
- Robotic assisted surgeries
- International Patients Lounge
- Airport Pick-up and Drop
- Accommodation and Food for Attendant
- Language Interpreter Services
- 4 triage beds, a dedicated sample collection room, 6 observation beds, and highly skilled emergency staff
- Robotic knee replacement surgery
- ATM
- Lounge for visitors
- Internet Access: The whole facility is Wi-Fi enabled
- Travel Desk: Provides an all-round patient care.
- 24x7 pharmacy
Aster Medcity
Kochi, India
- 670 bed facility
- 24 hours Emergency and Trauma Care
Aster Centres of Excellence
- Cardiac Sciences
- Orthopaedics & Rheumatology
- Neurosciences
- Nephrology & Urology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Integrated Liver Care
- Womens Health
- Child & Adolescent Health
- Multi Organ Transplant
- Diagnostic Technology used for increasing the efficiency of diagnostic procedures.
- Streamlined Application of Therapeutic Technology
- Minimal Access Robotic Surgery (MARS) which makes use of the da Vinci Surgical System is applied by the specialists in Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala.
- ORI Fusion Digital Integrated Operation Theatres which applies Karlstorz OR1 Fusion system.
- Completely digital Anesthesia facility
- Pharmacy which possesses completely Automated Drug Dispensing
Medicana Camlica Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
4.2 ( 2 Reviews )
Medicana Camlica Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 150 bedded Hospital
- Specialty-based clinics
- Fully-equipped patient rooms
Memorial Sisli Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Memorial Sisli Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Operates in a closed area of 53,000 sqm
- Capacity of 252 beds
- 13 Operating rooms
- 4 Intensive Care Units (KVC, General, Coronary, Neonatal)
- 3 Laboratories
- Organ Transplantation Center
- IVF Center
- Genetic Center
- Stroke Center
- Breast Health and Disease Center
- Oncology Center
- Da Vinci Robotic Surgery Center
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Architecture of the Hospital designed as per the comfort of patients-
- Consisting of 8 floors, 212 bed capacity
- 75m2 suite rooms
- 35 thousand m2 closed area
- 7 operating rooms
- 53 polyclinics
- 54 Departments
- Hotel-like patient rooms
- Intensive care units consisting of 33 beds
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Center inside the hospital
- PYXIS computerized medicine system working with fingerprint
- Social waiting areas
- Indoor and Outdoor Cafeterias & Restaurants
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+99Process Involved for AC Joint Separation Repair
- Orthopaedic Consultation: The initial stage is a diagnosis of the type of AC joint separation and determining symptoms as well as changes in a patient's life.
- Physical Examination and Imaging: Full physical examination and imaging is done to assess joint alignment and the extent of ligament damage.
- Non-Surgical Modality of Treatment: Serious injury will require conservative therapy, such as rest, sling immobilisation, and pain management
- Consent: This takes place after fully describing the treatment and risks involved.
- Surgical treatment: The operation may be ligament reconstruction or fixation for significant ligament damage or joint instability.
- Rehabilitation: Following treatment, physiotherapy is prescribed to restore full shoulder mobility and shoulder strength and to retain normal function.
- Traumatic Injuries
- Chronic Instability of the AC Joint
- Arthritis of the AC Joint
- AC Joint Separation
- Hook Plate Fixation
- Bosworth Screw Fixation
- Arthroscopic Fixation of the CC Joint
- The TightRope/EndoButton/Dog Bone technique
- Multiple all-suture anchor technique
- Experiencing severe AC joint separation.
- Patients with persistent pain or instability after conservative treatment.
- Suture buttons
- Allograft implants
- Arthrex
- hook plates
- Ligament Reconstruction
- Distal Clavicle Resection
- Arthroscopic Assessment
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
- Capsular Repair
- Subacromial Decompression
- Improved Seizure Control (fewer or no seizures)
- Improved Quality of Life
- Reduced Dependence on Medications
- Minimal Side Effects
- Enhanced Cognitive Function
- Pain Relief
- Improved Shoulder Function
- Stability of the Joint
- Neurologist
- Neurosurgeon
- Psychiatrist
- Fill out the inquiry form: Fill out the form to provide us with the relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert views and cost breakdowns for various choices.
- Choose your preferred option: Choose the treatment option that suits you the best.
