Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction
Advanced AC Joint Reconstruction for Shoulder Separation in Miami, Doral & South Florida
A severe acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury, commonly known as a shoulder separation, can cause significant pain, instability, and difficulty performing everyday activities or participating in sports. When non-surgical treatments are not enough to restore shoulder stability, AC joint reconstruction may be recommended. Dr. Rafael Sanchez, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder surgery and sports medicine, provides advanced AC joint reconstruction for patients throughout Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and South Florida.
Using modern reconstructive techniques and a personalized approach to care, Dr. Sanchez treats athletes and active individuals with AC joint injuries caused by sports, falls, or traumatic accidents. His goal is to restore shoulder stability, reduce pain, improve function, and help patients safely return to work, recreation, and athletic activities.
What is the Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint?
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is one of the joints present within your shoulder. It is formed between a bony projection at the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) and the outer end of the clavicle (collarbone). The joint is enclosed by a capsule and supported by ligaments.
The AC joint is stabilized by the following structures:
- Capsular ligaments: These ligaments are called the acromioclavicular ligaments. They have superior and inferior components and resist separation of the joint in the horizontal direction.
- Extracapsular stabilizers: These are ligaments extending from a bony process of the scapula called the coracoid process to the clavicle (coracoclavicular ligaments) and the acromion (coracoacromial ligaments). These ligaments resist vertical forces from separating the joint.
- Muscular attachments: The deltoid muscle on the outside of the shoulder and the trapezius muscle in the upper back and neck also help stabilize the acromioclavicular joint.
An injury to the AC joint, particularly the ligaments, can result in instability or separation of the AC joint (shoulder separation) causing pain and discomfort and limiting shoulder function.
What is Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction?
Shoulder separation can usually be managed by non-surgical treatments. In cases of a severe separation of the AC joint, your surgeon may perform a surgical repair or use a tissue graft to reconstruct the damaged ligaments. An autograft (from your own body) or allograft (from a donor) of the anterior tibia or hamstring may be used. Your surgeon might also suggest artificial non-absorbable material to graft the damaged ligaments.
The goals of surgery include:
- Relief from pain
- Improved shoulder movement
- Improved strength and function
- Faster recovery in cases of athletes
Anatomic reconstruction of the AC joint helps ensures static and safe fixation with stable joint function.
What is the Procedure for Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction?
Acromioclavicular joint reconstruction involves the following steps:
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and regional anesthesia.
- A diagnostic arthroscopy may be performed to visualize the position of the tear and extent of the damage.
- An incision is made to expose the AC joint and any damaged tissue is trimmed.
- Tissue is dissected to expose the coracoid process.
- The graft is passed from under the coracoid process to a hole drilled into the clavicle and the displaced clavicle is reduced.
- Sutures are used to close the wound.
- Alternatively, a ligament extending from the coracoid process to the acromion (coracoacromial ligament) may be transferred to the end of the clavicle to reduce it in position.
- The graft ends are secured to the bone.
Following surgery, your arm is placed in a sling and your shoulder will be immobilized for a period of 6 weeks. You will then require rehabilitation to regain strength and movement of the shoulder joint and can return to your regular activities in about 6 months.
Why Choose Dr. Rafael Sanchez for Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction in Miami, Doral & South Florida?
Dr. Rafael Sanchez is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with specialized expertise in shoulder surgery, sports medicine, and minimally invasive orthopedic procedures. He provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for AC joint injuries, tailoring every treatment plan to the severity of the injury, activity level, and long-term goals of each patient.
treatment plan to the severity of the injury, activity level, and long-term goals of each patient.
Patients throughout Miami and South Florida choose Dr. Sanchez because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in shoulder surgery and sports medicine
- Advanced surgical techniques for AC joint reconstruction
- Comprehensive evaluation of shoulder separation and ligament injuries
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient's condition and lifestyle
- Arthroscopic-assisted procedures whenever appropriate
- Structured postoperative rehabilitation to restore strength and shoulder stability
- Compassionate, patient-centered care focused on achieving long-term functional outcomes
Whether your shoulder injury occurred during sports, work, or a traumatic accident, Dr. Sanchez is committed to helping you regain shoulder function and return to an active lifestyle with confidence.
Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Reconstruction FAQs
An AC joint injury, also called a shoulder separation, occurs when the ligaments connecting the collarbone (clavicle) to the shoulder blade (acromion) are stretched or torn, often due to a fall or direct impact to the shoulder.
Surgery is generally recommended for severe AC joint separations, persistent pain or instability after conservative treatment, high-grade ligament injuries, or for athletes and active individuals who require optimal shoulder function.
The procedure may be performed using open or arthroscopic-assisted techniques. Damaged ligaments are reconstructed using a tendon graft or specialized fixation devices to restore the normal alignment and stability of the AC joint.
Most patients wear a sling for approximately six weeks, followed by a structured physical therapy program. Return to normal daily activities typically occurs within a few months, while full recovery and return to sports often take around six months.
Yes. Rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery and helps restore shoulder motion, strength, stability, and overall function following AC joint reconstruction.
The procedure is designed to relieve pain, restore shoulder stability, improve strength and range of motion, and help patients safely return to work, sports, and recreational activities.
Schedule an AC Joint Reconstruction Consultation in Miami, FL
If you have suffered a shoulder separation or continue to experience pain and instability after an AC joint injury, Dr. Rafael Sanchez can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Serving patients throughout Miami, Doral, Coral Gables, Kendall, and South Florida, he provides expert diagnosis, advanced AC joint reconstruction, and comprehensive rehabilitation to restore shoulder stability and function.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rafael Sanchez and learn more about your treatment options for AC joint reconstruction in Miami, FL.
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