What Is Shoulder Separation?

This condition is an injury to the joint at the top of the shoulder, where the acromion meets the clavicle. This is called the acromioclavicular (or AC) joint. In shoulder separation the ligaments that hold these bones together are partially or completely torn, allowing the bones to separate. AC joint separations account for an estimated 4% to 12% of all shoulder girdle injuries, making them a common cause of shoulder pain after a fall or direct blow. This condition is sometimes confused with a dislocated shoulder, which involves a different joint and requires a different treatment approach.

 

Causes of Shoulder Separation

This shoulder condition is caused by a trauma to the shoulder, such as a fall with an outstretched arm. Contact sports, cycling accidents, and falls are common causes seen in patients throughout Staten Island, Manhattan, and the greater NYC area.

Symptoms

Shoulder separation symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising and loss of range of motion in the arm. In some cases, the shifting of the bones may form a visible bump on the shoulder.

Treatment Options

Treatment options may include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, a sling and a physical therapy. In severe cases, shoulder surgery may be necessary to repair the joint. For higher-grade injuries, research supports this conservative-first approach: a retrospective study of grade III and higher AC joint injuries found that non-operative and surgical treatment produced similar functional outcomes at one year, with surgery reserved for patients whose pain and function don’t improve within the first week (ScienceDirect, 2022). Dr. Tehrany offers this full range of treatment options at both the Manhattan and Staten Island offices.

Why Choose Dr. Tehrany for Shoulder Separation Treatment on Staten Island & NYC

Not every AC joint injury needs the same treatment, and getting that call right starts with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Tehrany grades each shoulder separation using imaging and hands-on assessment, then builds a treatment plan around how the joint actually looks and behaves, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

  • Precise grading of AC joint injuries to avoid over- or under-treating a case
  • Direct access to both conservative care and surgical repair, without a separate referral
  • Timely evaluation, since delaying treatment for higher-grade injuries can affect long-term outcomes
  • Convenient scheduling across the Manhattan and Staten Island offices

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve injured your shoulder and suspect an AC joint separation, don’t wait to get it evaluated. Book your consultation with Dr. Tehrany today and take the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment.