Injury to the A/C joint is usually caused by trauma to the shoulder, either a direct blow such as a car accident or a tackle in football, or a fall onto an outstretched hand. There is almost always a history of trauma causing pain and swelling around the joint.
Signs and Symptoms include:
- Tenderness and swelling over A/C joint.
- Discernable bulge over A/C joint compared to the other side.
- Decreased movement of the shoulder and the worse the injury, the less shoulder movement available.
- Antalgic posture where patient will hold the elbow to protect the arm from pulling on the A/C joint.