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Urgent
LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY FOR SEVERE ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT DISLOCATION – REHABILITATION AFTER INJURY
Patient L.P (35 years old) visited the American International Hospital (AIH) after sustaining a shoulder injury while playing sports. Through clinical examination and diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI), 1st-degree specialist, Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh diagnosed the patient with a Grade V acromioclavicular joint dislocation, with complete ligament rupture.
With this severe level of injury, if not properly addressed, the patient is very likely to experience permanent joint instability, severely affecting shoulder’s mobility function and quality of life. After thorough consultation, the patient was indicated for ligament reconstruction surgery, combined with temporary joint fixation using specialized equipment. This method helps to restore the joint to its original anatomical position and maintain stability throughout the healing process of the reconstructed ligament.
As the person directly treating the patient, Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh shares: “Previously, in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations, the main methods focused on joint reduction and temporary fixation using Kirschner wires or steel wire. However, after removing these fixation devices, the joint was very prone to re-dislocation because the ligament system, which plays a key role in stabilizing the joint, had not been restored. This condition leads to many long-term consequences such as chronic pain, limited range of motion, shoulder muscle weakness, and a significant reduction in the ability to perform daily activities or play sports.”
At the American International Hospital (AIH), patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocations, such as in the case of Mr. L.P, will undergo a thorough assessment of the injury through clinical and imaging studies, from which a personalized treatment plan will be developed. Especially for patients with high activity needs, such as playing sports or doing physical work, the treatment needs to be precise and durable.
In cases of severe dislocation with ligament rupture, the doctor will indicate surgery to reconstruct the ligament system, simultaneously performing reduction and temporary joint fixation to bring the joint back to its correct anatomical position. The treatment goal at AIH is to comprehensively restore shoulder joint function and maintain long-term stability, while preventing the risk of reluxation after removing the fixation device.
Do not underestimate acromioclavicular joint dislocation – Risk of long-term loss of shoulder function.
According to Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh, 1st-degree specialist, acromioclavicular joint dislocation is a common injury, primarily occurring after traffic accidents, falls, or sports injuries. This is a dislocation at the joint between the clavicle and the acromion, an area that is usually stabilized by a strong ligament system, which plays an important role in stabilizing the shoulder joint.
This injury is classified into 6 levels, from mild to severe. Among these, the severe levels (Grade IV, V, VI) are often associated with complete rupture of the ligament system, causing the joint to completely lose mechanical stability. This seriously affects shoulder movement function, especially for those who frequently engage in physical labor or play high-intensity sports.
Signs of recognition after injury:
After a strong impact to the shoulder area, the patient may experience one or more of the following signs:
Sharp pain in the shoulder area, increasing when moving or pressing on the end of the clavicle.
The clavicle protrudes abnormally, creating a clear "bump" under the skin – a typical sign of a severe dislocation.
Swelling and bruising around the shoulder.
A significant reduction in the ability to raise the arm or rotate the shoulder.
A "clicking" sound may be heard when moving the shoulder.
When these symptoms appear, the patient should minimize shoulder movement as much as possible, may temporarily immobilize the joint with a sling or towel, and go to a medical facility with Trauma and Orthopedics department as soon as possible for diagnosis and proper treatment.
At the American International Hospital (AIH), patients with shoulder injuries will be directly examined by a team of leading doctors in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. The diagnostic process is carried out comprehensively, including a thorough clinical examination, combined with modern devices of diagnostic imaging such as X-ray and MRI.
Based on the accurate assessment of the degree of dislocation and ligament damage, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan, suitable for the injury condition of each patient. The goal is to restore the joint structure to its correct anatomical position, while ensuring long-term stability, helping patients quickly return to their daily lives.
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