Acromioclavicular Joint Cost in India

The cost of acromioclavicular joint repair in India typically ranges from $1,500 to $7,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade. AC joint repair, or stabilisation, holds the collarbone back in position after a severe dislocation. The cost usually depends on:

• Technique: suture-button devices, hook plates, ligament reconstruction or a synthetic ligament.
• Graft or implant: a tendon graft or synthetic material may be used.
• Timing: early repair after injury or later reconstruction.
• Physiotherapy: a structured rehabilitation programme.

AC joint injuries are graded by how far the collarbone has moved. Mild and moderate injuries are usually treated with a sling, pain relief and physiotherapy.

Surgery may be considered for more severe displacement, or when pain and weakness continue after non-surgical treatment, particularly in people who do heavy overhead work or sport.

The operation is usually done under general anaesthetic, sometimes with a nerve block. Depending on the technique, the surgeon may use keyhole or open surgery to bring the collarbone down and hold it in place.

In ligament reconstruction, a tendon graft or synthetic ligament replaces the torn ligaments that normally hold the collarbone.

A sling is usually worn for several weeks, and physiotherapy follows. Heavy lifting and contact sport are avoided for several months.

Possible risks include infection, stiffness, loss of position, failure or loosening of the fixation, prominent metalwork that may need removal, and nerve or blood vessel injury.