Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Treatment in India
About Acromioclavicular Joint Injury
Key Highlights
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Specialized care focused on the unique anatomy and healing potential of a child's growing shoulder.Conservative, non-surgical management is successful for the majority of pediatric AC joint injuries.Minimally invasive surgical techniques, when needed, promote faster healing and smaller scars.Treatment plans are individualized based on injury grade, patient age, and athletic goals.Aims to restore full, pain-free range of motion and strength for a return to sports and daily activities.
Who is this surgery for?
- High-grade (Type IV, V, VI) AC joint separations with significant upward displacement of the clavicle.
- Persistent pain, instability, or weakness in the shoulder despite 3-6 months of conservative treatment.
- Injuries in adolescent athletes involved in overhead or contact sports who require a stable shoulder.
- Associated fractures or damage to surrounding ligaments that compromise joint stability.
- Cosmetic concern due to a prominent, deformed 'step-off' at the AC joint.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, X-rays, and possibly an MRI to assess injury grade and growth plate involvement.
- Detailed discussion with the family and child about treatment options, expectations, and the recovery timeline.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance as required for surgery.
- Arranging for post-operative support, including physical therapy appointments and assistance at home.
- Fasting instructions if surgery is planned, typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours prior.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Stiffness, reduced range of motion, or persistent pain in the shoulder.
- Hardware irritation or failure if screws or plates are used for fixation.
- Recurrent instability or re-injury of the AC joint.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage in the surgical area (rare).
- Growth plate injury affecting future bone development (specific pediatric concern).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization in a sling for 2-6 weeks to protect the healing joint or surgical repair.
- Early, gentle physical therapy to manage pain and swelling and prevent stiffness.
- Gradual progression to active range-of-motion and strengthening exercises over several weeks.
- Avoidance of contact sports, heavy lifting, and overhead activities for 3-6 months.
- Regular follow-up visits with X-rays to monitor healing and guide activity progression.
- Full recovery and return to unrestricted sports typically takes 4-6 months.
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Typical hospital stay:
0-1 days (often outpatient for surgery)
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 months for full return to sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering acromioclavicular joint injury in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform acromioclavicular joint injury. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for acromioclavicular joint injury compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 200 Thousand | 0-1 days (often outpatient for surgery) | ~ 4-6 months for full return to sports | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 0-1 days (often outpatient for surgery) | ~ 4-6 months for full return to sports | Know More |
Sara Miller, a 14-year-old competitive club...
Sara Miller, a 14-year-old competitive club soccer goalkeeper, was injured during a game when she collided with an opposing player while diving for a save. She felt immediate, sharp pain in the top of her right shoulder. Over the next week, a prominent bump appeared, and she had significant pain with any overhead motion, making it impossible to play or even lift her backpack. An X-ray confirmed a Type V AC joint separation, a severe dislocation. Dr. Evans, her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, explained that due to the complete disruption of ligaments and Sara's high activity level, surgical reconstruction was recommended to restore stability and prevent long-term pain and weakness. Sara underwent an arthroscopically assisted AC joint reconstruction, a minimally invasive procedure using a small graft to rebuild the ligaments. The surgery went smoothly. Post-op, she was in a sling for 6 weeks, starting gentle pendulum exercises immediately and formal physical therapy at 3 weeks. By 4 months, she was cleared for light training, and at 6 months, she returned fully to goalkeeping. Emotionally, Sara was devastated and anxious after the injury, fearing her sports career was over. The visible bump made her self-conscious. After surgery, as her strength returned and the deformity was corrected, her confidence soared. She felt grateful for the chance to return to the sport she loved without pain.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Acromioclavicular Joint Injury
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform acromioclavicular joint injury and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata