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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Biceps Tenodesis

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.
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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

AC Joint Surgery

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.
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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Clavicle Fracture Repair

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.
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ContactTalk toa real person.
Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.
Call801-640-0000
TextSend a text
Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104
Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330
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What it is

AC Joint Surgery

The acromioclavicular joint connects the collarbone to the shoulder blade.
A fall onto the shoulder sprains or tears its ligaments, from a mild sprain to a complete separation with a visible step.Surgery restores the alignment of collarbone and shoulder blade and stabilizes the joint with specialized fixation; damaged ligaments are repaired or reconstructed with a tendon graft when needed.
Performed by
Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine
J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine
Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine
Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists
Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement
Request an appointment
or call801-640-0000
AC Joint Surgery

Who It Helps

Most AC joint injuries heal without surgery using a sling, rest, activity modification and physical therapy.Surgery is recommended for severe separations, persistent pain or instability after nonsurgical care, and patients whose work or sport demands greater shoulder stability.
AC Joint Surgery

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under general anesthesia with a nerve block, usually one to two hours depending on severity and whether ligaments are reconstructed.The procedure may be open, arthroscopic or a combination, chosen by the severity and timing of the injury and the condition of the ligaments. Home the same day in a sling.Cyclists and skiers who land on a shoulder account for most AC separations we see; many are treated in a sling and followed in Provo or Orem without surgery. Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.
AC Joint Surgery

Recovery Timeline

Six weeks in a sling with pain control and gentle motion within limits; lifting and overhead activity are restricted.Weeks six to twelve restore active motion and begin progressive strengthening.Months three to four advance strength and stability with light recreation; months four to six return lifting, overhead exercise and noncontact sport. Contact sport returns after six months once testing supports it.
Milestones
Week 0 to 6Sling, protected motion
Week 6 to 12Active motion, strength
Month 4 to 6Lifting, overhead
Month 6Contact sport
AC Joint Surgery

Risks and Considerations

Infection, stiffness, persistent discomfort, nerve injury, blood clots, hardware irritation and recurrent separation are the main surgical risks.Some patients keep a visible prominence over the joint, and some develop arthritis or intermittent discomfort with heavy lifting or direct pressure. Many separations do very well without surgery, and your surgeon will say which yours is.
AC Joint Surgery

Your Surgeons

Dr. Christensen, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Wallentine perform this procedure at Surgery Partners Provo, Spanish Fork Hospital, Central Utah Surgical Center, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and Intermountain Health Surgery Center Saratoga Springs.
Dr. Christensen, MD
Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.
Dr. Taylor, MD
Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.
Dr. Carlson, MD
Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.
Dr. Wallentine, MD
Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.
AC Joint Surgery

Related Procedures and Conditions

Clavicle Fracture Repair
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder Labral Repair
AC Joint Injury
Request an appointment
or call801-640-0000
ContactTalk toa real person.
Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.
Call801-640-0000
TextSend a text
Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104
Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330
Request an appointment
Find a clinic
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyPrivacy Practices
NondiscriminationAccessibilityGood Faith Estimate