[Closed] complete ACJ seperation

Grade 4 or 5?

And in answer, no, there was no chance of me being capable to ride a bike with mine (my collar bone was in totally the wrong place). Post surgery and everything is A-ok, apart from rucksack rub on the screw in my collar bone.

I don't know but having broken my collar bone 9 months ago I do know that some people seem to manage with broken shoulder bones as a pseudo-joint forms and they build up muscle around the area to compensate for the lack of skeletal support. No idea though if the same applies for the AC joint of the clavicle. I endured 3 months of non-union and it was grossly uncomfortable and distressing so I got it plated in November, it's still sore today.

Edit: seems like I might be roughly right: https://www.stoneclinic.com/blog/2014/6/4/quick-repair-of-shoulder-ac-joint-key-to-recovery

Did mine several years ago, and tore rotator cuff at same time.
Back on bike and climbing at 3 months (slow as cuff injury) and then full riding and climbing at 5-6 months.
No problems with it since, XC for fun and racing.

I was about to go "YEAH ME!" But, no... I had the surgery asap. Level 4, so no ligaments were left attached.

Two anchor plates installed and 'recovered' ligaments installed to hold it all together

mine was Grade 3, occasionally 4, I waited 3 months, did some bike rides, never felt right even when initial pain and swelling went away, and, more importantly I couldn't understand how the joint would stabilise without the ligaments or something else put in place. I wanted to swim, surf, climb, throw kiddies around as well which have a much bigger range of motion than mtbing.

Had the surgery done and very glad I did - although I obviously have no clue where I'd be now without it.

More here, including some posts from some who didn't go for surgery: https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/separated-shoulder-grade-34-surgery/

Good luck!

I had grade 4 I have recovered without surgery.

I had it K-taped for a month or two.
Took 3 months to get back on a bike.
It is not as strong muscle wise as my right and it is a year since I did it.

I can still jump and stuff

View this post on Instagram

Yep. Done Left and right ACJ. Only level 2&3 tho. No surgery needed. Long steady road back. Also fractured both Scapula’s and ruptured both rotator cuffs. All post ACJ separation. Sure it was down to the joints weakening after the dislocations. The rc’s were a bitch and still give me grief in bed now, 5 years on.
Listen to your physio. Do your exercises no matter how boring and then do some more. I’m lucky. Full mobility back albeit with pain.
Get some coaching when you’re fit! 😂😉

I am currently 4 weeks into recovering from a grade 2/3 separation without surgery. It was mighty painful when I did it but I was quite surprised how quickly I got motion back.

I started physio after about 1.5 weeks, range of motion and strength building. I avoided anything that pulled the joint downwards like lifting and running, instead using an exercise bike or cross trainer because I could support my arm.

I went for my first mtb ride since doing it at the weekend and it generally felt ok but obviously not yet 100%. Lifting on the bars in particular was still a bit uncomfortable.

I also climb and in the last week have been able to start going back to the climbing wall. Dave Macleod a professional Scottish climber did a grade 3 injury and I believe is now back to 100% without surgery.

23 years since doing mine (grade 3-4 separation)

After initial physiotherapy to get mobility back it took a long time to build up any real strength in the shoulder and consequently I still have issues with arm especially if reaching above shoulder height with heavy objects.

I was advised against pinning the joint but now wish I had looked at this option.

I did mine 5 years ago now, grade 3 and the doctor said they prefer the non surgical route below a 4 and see how you get on.

I kept taking my arm out of the sling early on to keep it moving and had good range of motion in the first couple weeks, I also taped it with kinesio tape which I'm not sure helped or not but certainly didn't do it any harm and felt a bit more supported.

I was back doing light riding after about 4 weeks and off road after 5, in the last 2-3 years I've got more into dh and more jumping and have no issues at all with my shoulder when riding now. We've just moved house so have been doing lots of wallpaper stripping and sanding the last week or so and its only things like that where I notice it as it'll ache more now.

Mine separated the same day Scotland voted not to become separated from the rest of the UK, so about 4 1/2 years.

No surgery, I have full strength and mobility but a rogue bone/lump sticking out from my shoulder where it shouldn't!

thanks for the replys (and video)

Mines a grade 5, planning on following protocol and giving it 3 months of rehab before making a decision.

Its good to hear that some of you have got such good outcomes without surgery though

Ill definitely check out Dave Macloeds blogs on ACJ rehab, I've followed him in the past for finger tendon rehab and he does his research and rehabs like a Boss

Thanee's just announced she's going straight for surgery but given her job/ability it seems reasonable to aim for gold standard

cheers

James

If you don’t carry bricks or play the violin for a living, wait and see was my surgeon’s advice. Grade 4. I took it. I can ride as before. Road is fine and my off road mincing has not diminished significantly.

On the plus side. I am now wickedly aero on the TT bike. On the RHS only where the shoulder folds right in. I’m not going to break the LHS for symmetry though.

Brave statement there TIRed