Will MRI show AC joint separation?
MR imaging can demonstrate that the acromioclavicular ligaments are torn and the coracoclavicular ligaments are sprained or partially torn, as indicated by attenuation, edema, or hemorrhage of the ligament (,,Fig 5b, ,5c).
What grade is my AC joint separation?
Grade 1 – AC joint separation is a mild shoulder separation where the AC ligament is stretched or partly torn. Grade 2 – AC joint separation is a partial separation of the AC joint where the AC ligament is completely torn but the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are intact.
How do you measure AC joint separation?
Measurement. The AC distance is assessed on the frontal radiograph of the shoulder as the distance between the medial cortex of the acromion and the lateral cortex of the clavicle.
What is normal acromioclavicular distance?
In adults, the normal acromioclavicular joint space is 1 to 3 mm wide [16] and diminishes with increasing age [13]. The average distance between the clavicle and coracoid process is between 1.1 and 1.3 cm [1, 5].
What is a Grade 1 shoulder separation?
Grade 1—Involves stretching/spraining of the joint covering (capsule), with no damage to ligaments connecting the shoulder blade (scapula) and collar bone (clavicle). There may be swelling over the joint but the bump is not permanent. Pain typically lasts for 2-4 weeks, but can be easily reaggravated.
Will an xray show a AC joint damage?
—With a Rockwood type II injury, the AC capsule is completely torn, resulting in dynamic horizontal instability that can be palpated by moving the clavicle anteriorly and posteriorly (62). Radiographs typically show AC joint widening greater than 7 mm with overlying swelling (41) (Fig 9).
What is a Grade 5 AC separation?
A grade 5 AC Joint Separation occurs when the clavicle is severely displaced superiorly. It represents the most severe type of AC joint injury.
What is widening of the acromioclavicular joint?
Widening of the AC joint, step off deformity at the AC joint, and increase in the CC distance (common range 1.1-1.3 cm) are indicative of AC joint injury (Figure 1). Increase of CC distance of 25-50% over the normal side on a bilateral Zanca view indicates complete CC ligament disruption.
What is a Grade 4 AC separation?
A grade 4 AC separation occurs when the clavicle is severely displaced posteriorly. It is defined as “significant” posterior displacement. The grade separation definition does not have any quantifiable distance as it is determined simply by the impression of the clinician.
What is separation of AC joint?
– Grade I- mild shoulder separation. This involves a sprain of the AC ligament that does not move the collarbone and looks normal on X-rays. – Grade II – a tear in the AC ligament, and/or a sprain or slight tear in the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament. – Grade III- The most severe shoulder separation.
What is Grade 3 AC joint?
There are three grades of impingement (3). Grade 1: Inflammation of the bursa and tendons Grade 2: Progressive thickening and scarring of the bursae Grade 3: Rotator cuff tendon degeneration and tears Three major structures in the shoulder can cause AC joint impingement (4).
What is an AC joint?
The acromioclavicular, or AC, joint is a joint in the shoulder where two bones meet. One of these bones is the collarbone, or clavicle. The second bone is actually part of the shoulder blade (scapula), which is the big bone behind the shoulder that also forms part of the shoulder joint.
What is normal AC joint distance?
Type VI: AC tear/CC tear, clavicle located beneath acromion or coracoid; very rare. Normal AC joint distance <5mm. Variation exists but with clinical suspicion any measurement >8mm is concerning for injury, comparison to normal contralateral side also useful. Normal CC joint distance 10-13mm.