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Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is surgery to restore support between the collarbone and a projection of the shoulder blade called the coracoid. These ligaments help hold the acromioclavicular joint in alignment. Reconstruction may use a tendon graft, sutures, or fixation devices to stabilize the bones.
read more about coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction ...The procedure may be considered after an acromioclavicular joint separation causes persistent pain or substantial displacement. Some people regain satisfactory function with a sling and rehabilitation, so surgery is selected according to symptoms and injury severity. A surgeon examines the shoulder and uses imaging to plan treatment.
The surgeon brings the collarbone and shoulder blade back toward their intended alignment. A graft or fixation construct is placed between the clavicle and coracoid to replace or support the injured ligaments. The exact method varies with the age of the injury and whether other shoulder structures also need repair.
A sling protects the reconstruction while the tissues begin to heal. Shoulder movement and strengthening progress in stages under the surgical team's instructions. Heavy lifting and contact activities are delayed until the repair is ready for greater stress.
Risks include infection, stiffness, persistent pain, and failure or stretching of the reconstruction. The joint may lose some of its corrected alignment, and fixation near the clavicle or coracoid can cause bone or hardware problems. A visible bump may remain even when shoulder function improves.
No. A separated acromioclavicular joint can improve with nonsurgical care. Surgery may be considered for persistent symptoms or severe displacement.
Some procedures repair injured tissue, while reconstruction uses a graft or another support construct to restore stability. The chosen technique depends on the injury and its timing.
No. It stabilizes the connection between the collarbone and shoulder blade. The shoulder joint itself is not replaced.
Yes. The repair can stretch or fail, allowing the bones to move apart again. Follow-up and activity limits help protect the reconstruction during healing.
Anatomic Reconstruction of Chronic Coracoclavicular Ligament Tears: Arthroscopic-Assisted Approach With Nonrigid Mechanical Fixation and Graft Augmentation. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4246365/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Arthroscopic-Assisted Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction: Clinical Outcomes and Return to Activity at Mean Six-Year Follow-up. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8327039/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Comparison of Short-term Complications Between 2 Methods of Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27504468/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Shoulder Separation: Reconstructing the AC Joint With a Suture Implant- AANA. Arthroscopy Association of North America. https://www.aana.org/education/for-patients/shoulder/shoulder-separation/shoulder-separation-reconstructing-the-ac-joint-with-a-suture-implant/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
The anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction: surgical technique and indications. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20188267/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.