MIS AC Joint Fixation

What is an AC Joint Injury?

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the small joint on the top of the shoulder where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the shoulder blade (acromion).
Injury to this joint is commonly called a shoulder separation. It usually occurs after a fall on the shoulder, sports trauma, or road accidents.

In simple injuries, the ligaments are stretched. In severe injuries, the ligaments tear and the collarbone becomes displaced.

What is MIS AC Joint Fixation?

MIS AC joint fixation is a minimally invasive surgery used to realign and stabilize the AC joint when the injury is severe.
Instead of a large incision and open surgery, the procedure is performed through a small incision with special instruments. Sometimes, the surgery can be assisted arthroscopically (camera-based keyhole technique).

The goal is to restore the normal position of the clavicle, allow the ligaments to heal and bring back full shoulder function.

When is Surgery Recommended?

Not all AC joint injuries need surgery.
MIS AC joint fixation is advised when:

• The clavicle is significantly displaced
• You have a Grade 3, 4, 5 or 6 AC joint injury
• There is severe pain and loss of shoulder function
• You want to return to sports or heavy work
• Conservative treatment has failed
• Cosmetic deformity affects shoulder balance and motion

Athletes, laborers, and young active patients often benefit from surgical fixation.

How the Procedure is Done

A simplified overview:

1. Surgery is done under regional or general anaesthesia.
2. A small incision is made over the AC joint.
3. The clavicle is gently reduced to its normal position.
4. Special implants (suture buttons, fiber tapes, or other devices) are used to hold the clavicle in place.
5. Sometimes arthroscopy is used to treat associated shoulder injuries (like rotator cuff tear).
6. The skin is closed with a few stitches.

Because tissues are preserved, healing is faster and scarring is minimal.

Advantages of MIS AC Joint Fixation

Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive fixation offers:

• Small incision and better scar
• Less muscle damage
• Faster recovery
• Less postoperative pain
• Early rehabilitation
• More stable fixation with modern implants
• Reduced risk of hardware irritation

These benefits are especially important for athletes and active individuals.

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Recovery After Surgery

Healing takes time because the ligaments need to repair and become strong again.

Typical recovery timeline:

Time	Progress
2–6 weeks	Immobilization in sling; gentle physiotherapy
6–12 weeks	Increase movement; start strengthening
3–4 months	Resume light sports
6 months	Full activity, heavy work, overhead sports (after clearance)

Physiotherapy is a key part of recovery, helping regain strength and restore shoulder motion.

Common Symptoms Before Surgery

Patients with severe AC joint injuries may have:

• A visible bump on top of the shoulder
• Pain with lifting the arm
• Difficulty sleeping on the injured side
• Weakness in overhead motion
• Clicking or instability feeling
• Difficulty in sports like cricket, weightlifting, boxing, badminton, cycling, etc.

If these symptoms affect daily life, surgical correction provides good outcomes.

Long-Term Results

MIS AC joint fixation provides:

• Stable shoulder joint
• Good cosmetic result
• Full arm strength over time
• Reduced pain
• Ability to return to sports and active lifestyle

Modern implants allow natural movement of the clavicle, helping reduce stiffness.

Key Takeaway

MIS AC joint fixation is an advanced, minimally invasive solution for severe AC joint injuries and shoulder separation. With a small incision and modern implant systems, it helps restore normal alignment, reduce pain, and return to full shoulder function — especially important for athletes and active individuals.