Not everyone that sustains an AC joint separation injury undergoes surgery. It is dependent on the severity of ligament tears, treatment after the injury and the patient’s symptoms and deformity. Dr. Steven Struhl is a top orthopedic surgeon who specializes in advanced AC joint separation treatment and surgery at his clinics in NYC and Westchester. If you are not sure whether AC joint surgery is right for you, consider the pros and cons of undergoing surgical AC joint repair.
AC joint separation occurs when an impact injury to the top of the scapula tears the ligaments connecting the scapula to the clavicle. The extent of the tears can determine how far the scapula can separate and what treatments are available. Surgery is one of the treatments that is available to repair the torn ligaments and restore the structure of the shoulder. However, not all patients with AC joint separation injuries undergo surgery for various reasons.
Pros of AC Joint Separation Surgery
After an AC joint separation injury, patients can experience pain and mobility issues, as well as a deformity of the shoulder. Dr. Struhl offers advanced options for restoring the anatomical structure of the shoulder, relieving pain and restoring function through surgical intervention. Some of the pros of undergoing AC joint separation surgery include:
- Anatomic restoration of damaged tissue
- Restored cosmesis
- Eliminate need for more complex surgery
- Simple procedure
- Small incision
Dr. Struhl has extensive experience in performing specialized AC joint separation surgeries, using minimally-invasive procedures for quicker recovery and improved results for his patients.
Cons of AC Joint Separation Surgery
Not everyone with an AC joint separation injury chooses to have surgery. Some of the cons or drawbacks of surgery for this type of injury include:
- Satisfactory results may be possible without surgery
- Requires surgery risk
- Requires commitment to post-op therapy
Dr. Struhl offers treatment for AC joint separation without surgery whenever possible. However, many patients can benefit from undergoing surgery to successfully restore complete function of their shoulder joint. To determine whether surgery is the best option for your AC joint injury, schedule an exam and evaluation with Dr. Struhl at his clinic in NYC or Westchester.