An acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation occurs from a direct blow to the shoulder. This can occur after a fall, collision, or other injury where the shoulder contacts a hard surface. It is also known as a “shoulder separation”. When an AC separation occurs, the ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade (scapula) are torn. The patient may notice that the collarbone appears to be “sticking up”, and the shoulder may look lower on the affected side. Sometimes, these AC separations are managed surgically through a process known as AC reconstruction. In the procedure, the torn ligaments are repaired, and a cadaver tendon may be used to help rebuild the ligaments as well. Traditionally, this surgical technique requires drilling through bone, which weakens the bone and makes it more likely to fracture. As part of Dr. Gregory’s innovative approach to shoulder and elbow care, he has developed a technique to perform surgical AC joint reconstruction without needing to drill through bone. This minimizes the risk of complications after surgery, and has been shown to be very successful. If you’re interested about Dr. Gregory’s technique, it has recently been published in the journal Arthroscopy Techniques. A article and video of the technique is below.

AC joint reconstruction technique

Based off Dr. Gregory’s extensive experience with outpatient shoulder replacements, he was invited to moderate a lecture at the 2022 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. This lecture brought together shoulder experts from all over the country to teach orthopaedic surgeons the safest, best, way to perform shoulder replacements in such a way that patients can be discharged home the same day. Appropriate patient selection and education is key, along with pre-operative planning, advanced pain control with non-narcotic pain medication, and meticulous surgical technique. If you’ve been told you need a shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement, or if you’ve got shoulder pain that is interfering with your quality of life, Dr. Gregory will be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

The ease and convenience of visiting a physician from the comfort of your home may be very appealing. Are there any situations when it may not be the best course of action? Dr. Gregory and his colleagues decided to answer this question through a research study that was presented at the 2022 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. This meeting is the largest gathering of orthopaedic surgeons in the US, and is a valuable opportunity for surgeons nationwide to learn the latest research from leaders in the field, like Dr. Gregory. His research team found that telemedicine visits are good for evaluating range of motion, but not as good for more complex problems involving weakness or shoulder instability. Regardless, they’re a perfect tool for patients who cannot travel to a physician’s office. Dr. Gregory treats patients from all over the world for issues such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, and shoulder arthritis. If you’re interested in a telemedicine visit, or wondering how if you can manage post-operative appointments with Dr. Gregory if you live out-of-state, please contact his office.

On today’s American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons podcast, Dr. Gregory was joined by two colleagues to discuss outpatient joint replacement. Dr. Gregory has extensive experience with the use of outpatient shoulder replacement, and discussed his thoughts and research findings with the other guests. Advances in surgical technique and pain control have made outpatient shoulder replacement even more common, and patients are very satisfied with the improved recovery process. If you’ve been told you have arthritis, or may need shoulder surgery, Dr. Gregory is a happy to discuss treatment options in depth. If you do need a shoulder replacement, you may be a candidate for discharge home the same day.

Link to podcast

Shoulder replacements are used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and shoulder fractures (breaks). Dr. Gregory is at the forefront of advancements in shoulder replacements, and uses the latest technology to plan and perform shoulder replacements on patients nationwide. Recently, he participated in the 2022 Advanced Shoulder Arthroplasty (ASAP) Meeting, in which surgeons nationwide gather to discuss and debate topics related to all aspects of shoulder replacement surgery. If you have shoulder pain, and wish to know whether you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery or other less invasive options, please reach out to Dr. Gregory’s office to schedule an in person or virtual consultation.

The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) is a select group of nationally respected shoulder and elbow surgeons dedicated to supporting the ethical practice of evidence-based, high quality, cost-effective shoulder and elbow care. Dr. Gregory is a member of this society, and is at the ASES 2021 annual meeting to discuss new ideas and present new scientific evidence about the treatment of shoulder and elbow conditions. Ground-breaking research and discussion about common problems such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, shoulder arthritis, and ulnar collateral injuries will help surgeons nationwide better treat their patients.