Revision AC Joint Repair

Revision AC Joint Repair Surgeon

Are you an athlete who participates in contact sports? If so, you may be at risk of sustaining an AC joint injury, or a separated shoulder. Since AC joint injuries are common, complications after surgery are also commonly seen. Revision AC joint surgeon, Dr. Matthew Provencher provides diagnosis and surgical treatment for patients in Vail who have experienced a failed AC joint surgery in the past. Contact Dr. Provencher’s team today!

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What is a Revision AC Joint Repair?

Injuries to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint are quite common, especially in the young, active population. In particular, young patients competing in contact sports are at significant risk of suffering an injury to the AC joint. The coracoacromial (CA) ligament and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments provide stability to the AC joint in its native form. These ligaments also form a connection between the clavicle and the front of the scapula. However, if the shoulder experiences an impactful force, indirectly or directly, the AC joint and its surrounding ligaments may be disrupted. Although these injuries can be typically resolved through non-operative management, more severe cases of an AC injury may require AC joint repair surgery to return full function. If an AC joint repair surgery fails to alleviate symptoms, Dr. Matthew Provencher, orthopedic shoulder surgeon serving the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado communities, recommends a revision AC joint repair surgery.

Since AC joint injuries, including those requiring surgical intervention, are highly common, complications are also commonly seen. Revision AC joint repair is reserved for patients who have experienced a failed surgery in the past. More specifically, if the patient continues to experience pain and overall low functioning level following primary surgery, then revision surgery is necessary in this particular patient. Moreover, certain patients may require a revision procedure if poor rehabilitation efforts were involved after the first AC joint treatment.

When to Have Revision AC Joint Repair

The success of Dr. Provencher’s revision AC joint repair is dependent on a thorough review that reveals the cause of failure of the initial surgery. Dr. Provencher will perform a detailed physical examination and review the shoulder joint entirely through a series of x-rays, MRI scan and CT scan in order to identify what led to failure of the surgery and determine the proper course of action to resolve any persistent AC joint injury symptoms.

Many revision AC joint surgery cases require reconstruction of the surrounding ligaments, including the CA and CC ligaments, which results in reestablishment of stability of the distal clavicle. Due to overlaying scar tissue and prior surgical failure, revision AC repairs can be particularly challenging. In many cases, a tissue autograft is derived from the hamstring tendon that will be passed through the two halves in the joint for revision of the previous surgery. If the revision AC joint repair requires an autograft, Dr. Provencher will plan around the harvest sites (i.e. upper aspect of shinbone).

The exact revision AC joint repair varies from patient to patient given that each case presents a unique failed treatment and original injury. As a result, Dr. Provencher will explain each patient’s revision AC joint surgery options in great detail at the first consultation with an individualized treatment plan that will resolve all symptoms.

Are you a candidate for revision AC joint repair?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Provencher:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review with Dr. Provencher.

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Provencher.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

Revision Acromioclavicular- Coracoclavicular (AC-CC) Reconstruction: Use of Precontroured Button and Two Allografts

What is the Recovery Following Revision AC Joint Repair Surgery?

Following a revision AC joint repair, patients will be required to wear a sling or similar device for several weeks. The sling is designed to keep the arm immobile following surgery and to protect the joint as it heals. A physical therapy program will be prescribed to gradually strengthen the repaired joint and eliminate sling use.

For additional resources on revision AC joint repair surgery, or to determine the exact cause of failure of your original AC joint surgery and discuss possible options for revision surgery, please contact shoulder surgeon, Dr. Matthew Provencher, serving patients in the Vail, Aspen, Colorado Springs, and Denver, Colorado area.

Matthew Provencher, MD

Average rating:

66 reviews

James Wilson

Oct 11, 2024

by James Wilson on Matthew Provencher, MD

Senior Electronics development engineer

Wow the Steadman clinic and Doctor Matthew Provencher now that;s a super combination of expertise, experience, empathy, skill and a cherry picked staff with truly outstanding nurses and professional support staff. I was scared of shoulder surgery until I read Dr. Provencher BIO and talked to him. If your considering shoulder replacement surgery this is the place. In three weeks out now and people are amazed at my ability of movement and flexibility I have now. I love the Steadman Clinic and Dr. Matthew Provencher, He's Superman

Anne Miller

Jun 18, 2024

by Anne Miller on Matthew Provencher, MD

Grateful to Dr Provencher and his team

I am a 75-year old, active, athletic woman. Over the last few years, both of my shoulders reached a point where severe arthritis was affecting even day to day tasks. It started with one shoulder in 2021 and recently the second reverse shoulder replacement – both with Dr Provencher. Before my first one, I had received various recommendations including adjusting my lifestyle. Dr Provencher looked at my MRI and x-ray and asked what I enjoy doing and was quick to let me know I could be back to my active lifestyle soon – and he was right. He reads images faster and more accurately than any doctor I have consulted. He has many options available and if you need surgery he is the one to do it. Surgery is quick and the recovery is much easier than I anticipated. I am 10 days out from my second reverse shoulder and have no pain and gaining mobility already! My case for both shoulders was a bit more complicated due to bone integrity, severe arthritis and bicep tears. Dr Provencher has dealt innovatively with both complications and makes it seem straightforward although I know it was not. He is not only one an extraordinary surgeon, but also, a caring human being who takes the time with his patients and makes himself available if questions arise. His team is second to none – Maddy, Madison, Sam, Scott, Jasmin and in pre-op, Layla and Kevin – in terms of commitment, competence, compassion and responsiveness. Both times I have felt cared for and that resolving my situation mattered to him. Wherever you live, Dr Provencher and his team are the ones to trust. There is no need to live a compromised life!

Gene reiling

Jul 21, 2023

by Gene reiling on Matthew Provencher, MD

Success

If you are planning to see Dr Provencher ,do not hesitate ,do it. In 2018 Dr Provencher replaced my LCL. I had no complications and very little pain. I did my physical therapy as prescribed. I was able to ski 30 plus days the winter of 2019-2020. Before seeing dr Provencher I had spent a years time trying to solve my problem locally. I saw a pain specialist, orthopedic urgent care and a orthopedic surgeon. All had access to an mri done locally. It was also read by local radiologist. Pain dr gave injections as did orthopedic urgent care. No relief from pain. Orthopedic surgeon told me about arthritis, meniscus needing cleaning up and general deterioration from age. Told me to take ibuprofen for pain. At that time I reached out to Steadman Clinic. By luck of the draw I was assigned Dr Provencher. I took with me the mri that had been done locally and viewed by 3 local Drs and 1 PA. It took Dr Provencher less than a minute to tell me my problem was my LCL after viewing my mri. He told me my options . I selected surgery as I wanted to continue an active life style. It was a complete success!!

Knee | Shoulder | Joint Preservation | Arthroplasty