Stabilization of the clavicle in acromioclavicular separation

The authors describe the case of a 19-year-old male who fell on his left shoulder suffering a complete Type 3 separation of the acromioclavicular joint. They describe the management of the patient and note that early excision of the meniscus and the outer end of the clavicle minimizes disability and morbidity. They also point out that rehabilitation of the muscles of the shoulder stabilizes the clavicle and restores the patient to pre-injury status.