AC separation in a concert violinist

摘要

The challenge of deciding on operative vs nonoperative treatment of type III acromioclavicular joint injuries has become easier over time because we now treat almost all nonoperatively. Currently, whether the patient is a high school-level wide receiver or a collegiate quarterback, we initially treat type HI injuries nonoperatively, with reconstruction reserved for late failures (more than 3 months after injury). With this in mind, the case presented is complicated by the patient's occupation as a concert violinist. The injury to the left shoulder suggests that the violin chinrest will pass over the involved clavicle or acromioclavicular joint area. The clinician's goal must be to give this patient optimal conditions in which to return to her occupation.