After diving into this detailed guide on acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations, you’re now equipped with practical, clinic-ready insights to improve how you assess and manage shoulder separations.

Here’s what you should walk away with:

Confident Diagnosis
You now know how to distinguish between a mild sprain and a high-grade separation using the Rockwood classification. Recognize key clinical signs—like the cross-body adduction test and visible step-off deformities—and correlate them with imaging findings.

Smarter Imaging Protocols
Standardized imaging is a game changer. Always get bilateral AP views, a proper Zanca view, and an axillary lateral to avoid missing posterior or subtle injuries. Don’t forget—ultrasound can offer real-time soft tissue assessment, especially in borderline cases.

When to Refer
Not every injury needs surgery, but Types IV, V, and VI do. If there’s neurovascular compromise, open injury, or failure of conservative management, refer fast.

Teleradiology = Clinical Edge
Partnering with a teleradiology service ensures rapid, expert interpretation—especially when the imaging is unclear or time-sensitive.

Bottom line: Mastering AC joint dislocations isn’t just about knowing anatomy—it’s about integrating clinical judgment, imaging, and referral timing to make the right call when it matters most.