Grade III Acromioclavicular Dislocation in an Elite Male Lacrosse Player - Case Report

Abstract

Background: Dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint have been frequently reported in collision and contact sports such as American football and rugby.Traumatic acromioclavicular joint injuries also account for the most frequent occurring shoulder injury in men’s colligate lacrosse by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Consensus exists on the conservative management of low-grade injuries, whilst equipoise remains on the management of dislocation in contact athletes. Despite increasing popularity of lacrosse and increasing number of epidemiological injury surveillance, little evidence exists to guide sports specific rehabilitation and effective return to play.

Purpose: This paper describes the case of an elite level male lacrosse player managed conservatively with a grade III acromioclavicular dislocation.

Study Design: Single patient case study.

Methods: Descriptive case report of the rehabilitation and return to play decisions.

Results: Grade III dislocations of the acromioclavicular joint can be managed with or without operative intervention. Rehabilitation programmes following this injury need to be tailored to the complex movement needs of the athlete’s sport, the addition of direct contact in lacrosse collisions needs to be considered in athletes returning to this sport. With a structured rehabilitation programme addressing all aspects of the sport a player can safely return to elite level lacrosse competition without surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Conservative management of a grade III/IV acromioclavicular joint injury can allow safe return to lacrosse in a timely manner.