Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation Specialist Singapore

Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocations are injuries often experienced by athletes. They are often mistaken to be glenohumeral joint dislocations (see section on shoulder dislocations).

However this certainly does not mean some who is not an athlete cannot suffer such an injury. Majority of ACJ dislocations occur in males in their thirties. Although many patients with untreated ACJ dislocations do well and eventually suffer few functional deficits, more severe untreated ACJ dislocations can result in chronic pain.

Some knowledge of the anatomy of the shoulder is required to understand ACJ dislocations.

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is located at the top of the shoulder, where a part of the shoulder blade (acromion) and the collarbone (clavicle) meet.

AC joint dislocation occurs when the clavicle pops out of alignment with the acromion.

What Causes A Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation?

The common causes of acromioclavicular joint dislocation include:

  • Falling directly onto the shoulder
  • Violent blow to the shoulder area (e.g. heavy object falling directly onto the shoulder)
  • Sports injuries

What Are The Symptoms Of Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation?​

Common symptoms of acromioclavicular joint dislocation include:

  • An obvious deformity of the shoulder
  • Intense pain in the AC joint
  • Inability to move the shoulder joint
  • Decreased range of motion
  • The end of the collarbone may appear to be sticking up under the skin

How Is A Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation Diagnosed?

During a physical examination, your doctor may inspect the affected area for pain, tenderness or any deformities. Furthermore, they may test your shoulder’s mobility by asking you to perform specific simple exercises to determine whether or not the AC joint is dislocated.

An X-ray of your shoulder joint may also be performed to reveal the dislocation and other damages to your AC joint. An MRI scan may be required to fully assess the extent of the injury.

It is essential to avoid attempting to put the joint back yourself because of the risk of aggravating the injury. Also, the joint will not stay in place because of the pull of gravity on the arm.

​​Is acromioclavicular joint dislocation affecting your quality of life, and your ability to perform everyday activities such as working, playing sports and wearing your clothes?
Dr. Bryan will assess your symptoms in detail before recommending the right treatment plan for your condition.

How Is A Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation Treated?

Common treatment methods include:

  • Rest and avoid excessive shoulder movements
  • Simple and gentle stretching exercises to slowly regain shoulder mobility and strength
  • Physiotherapy

Surgery is generally recommended in the following cases:

  • If the patient is highly active, e.g. manual labourer, high level athlete
  • If the acromioclavicular joint dislocation is a severe one, with a large gap between the dislocated bones
  • If the acromioclavicular joint dislocation is a chronic one which is still painful with shoulder movements


Surgery typically involves resecting the joint and reconstructing the torn ligaments. In chronic cases, an artificial ligament (known as a tendon graft) is used to reconstruct the damaged ones.

Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

The shoulder joint is made up of 3 bones: the shoulder blade (scapula), the humeral head and the collar-bone (clavicle).

Movements around the shoulder involve 3 separate articulations: the glenohumeral joint, the acromioclavicular joint and the scapulothoracic articulation. When the arm is raised, the majority of movement occur at the glenohumeral joint and the scapulothoracic articulation.

The ACJ is a rather small joint between the clavicle and a part of the scapula known as the acromion. The acromion forms a roof over the glenohumeral joint which is often regarded as the “main” shoulder joint.

When we raise our arms, majority of movement occurs at the glenohumeral joint and scapulothoracic articulation. Only small gliding and rotatory movements occur at this joint. Despite the fact that such little amount of movement occur through this joint, this small joint has to deal with large forces.

The joint is held in place by several structures:

1. The joint capsule (the covering of the joint)
2. Ligaments found within the capsule of the joint (known as the AC ligaments)
3. Ligaments that are attached, on one end to the coracoid process (part of the scapula) and on the other end, to the clavicle. These ligaments are called the coraco-clavicular (CC) ligaments.

Sports injuries are the most common cause of ACJ dislocation. Often times it is the result of direct impact on the point of the shoulder.

The most common scenarios I see are when patients trip while running fast causing them to tumble “head over heels” or when cyclists pitch over the handlebars after having hit a pothole or a branch on the road. In almost all of these scenarios, the patient lands hard directly on their shoulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I visit a doctor for acromioclavicular joint dislocation?

What will the doctor do?

What does surgery for ACJ dislocations entail?

Will I be able to participate in sports after the surgery?

How to prevent acromioclavicular joint dislocation?

Billing & Payment

Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

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STEP 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

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STEP 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

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STEP 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

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