Shoulder separation involves damage to ligaments of which joint?

Shoulder separation involves damage to ligaments of which joint?

• A. Acromioclavicular joint
• B. Glenohumeral joint
• C. Sternoclavicular joint
• D. Scapulothoracic articulation

Answer: (A)

Shoulder separation specifically involves tearing or spraining the ligaments that stabilize the acromioclavicular joint, the joint where the clavicle meets the acromion of the scapula. Stability here is provided by the acromioclavicular ligaments plus the coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid and trapezoid). When these are injured, the clavicle can become displaced relative to the acromion, producing the separation appearance. The glenohumeral joint is the main ball-and-socket shoulder joint, and injuries there yield a shoulder dislocation rather than a separation. The sternoclavicular joint (clavicle to sternum) is a different joint, and the scapulothoracic articulation isn’t a true synovial joint but a muscular interface; neither is the site of a shoulder separation.

Shoulder separation specifically involves tearing or spraining the ligaments that stabilize the acromioclavicular joint, the joint where the clavicle meets the acromion of the scapula. Stability here is provided by the acromioclavicular ligaments plus the coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid and trapezoid). When these are injured, the clavicle can become displaced relative to the acromion, producing the separation appearance. The glenohumeral joint is the main ball-and-socket shoulder joint, and injuries there yield a shoulder dislocation rather than a separation. The sternoclavicular joint (clavicle to sternum) is a different joint, and the scapulothoracic articulation isn’t a true synovial joint but a muscular interface; neither is the site of a shoulder separation.