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acromioclavicular joint dislocation
Dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) at the end of the clavicle may be stabilised to ligament reconstruction
In Queenstown this is a common mountain biking injury. It frequently occurs when a rider goes over the handlebars landing onto the tip of the shoulder. In the uninjured shoulder the ACJ is the only bony connection between the shoulder girdle and the rest of the body and easily susceptible to injury.
The joint is held down by the coraco-clavicular (C-C) ligaments below, and stabilised front-to-back by the dorsal capsule of the ACJ. Usually when there is complete rupture the clavicle is pulled upwards by the neck muscles and there is a visible lump where the end of the clavicle is protruding.
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