Anterior dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common shoulder injuries.
• Anterior dislocations are rare, often presenting subtly.
• Diagnostic challenges can arise from subtle physical signs and conventional imaging.

Observation:

• A 25-year-old female presented with a rare anterior acromioclavicular dislocation.
• The injury was initially missed due to subtle prominence and indistinct X-ray findings.
• Diagnosis was confirmed using oblique craniocaudal radiographs.

Findings:

• The anterior acromioclavicular dislocation was successfully diagnosed.
• Surgical intervention involved anatomical reduction and ligament reconstruction.
• The patient achieved an excellent functional outcome post-surgery.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering rare AC joint dislocation types.
• Emphasizes the diagnostic utility of oblique craniocaudal views for subtle AC joint injuries.
• Demonstrates the effectiveness of surgical management for anterior AC joint dislocations.