Acromioclavicular Joint (ACJ) Injuries

Management ACJ Subluxation
Clinical Examination 

Patient presents with shoulder pain following direct trauma to the shoulder.

Clinical examination indicates X-Ray of the shoudler  

Type I or II subluxation 
  • Type I or II subluxation ACJ on X-Ray 
  • Polysling 
  • NO NPC referral 
  • Talk through the exercise and information leaflet with the patient or carer 
  • Consider physio referral via EPR

Type III or IV

  • Type III or Type VI ACJ subluxation with significan swelling.
  • Closed clavicle/ acronium #
  • do you have significant concerns? -  NO treat as Type I or II
  • YES- Polysling, analgesia 
  • NPC follow up 7 days 

Type V or VI

  • Open wound to the ACJ with/with out underyling clavicle fracture?
  • Axillay nerve disruption ?
  • NO -  Treat as Type III or IV
  • YES-   discuss with on Call trauma reg :  Bleep 1222 and treat as advised.