Acromioclavicular (joint) (ligament) sprain

This code represents a sprain or tear of the ligaments supporting the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, which connects the clavicle (collarbone) to the acromion (part of the shoulder blade). It typically results from trauma, such as a fall directly onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm. The severity can range from a mild stretch to a complete rupture of the AC ligaments, potentially involving the coracoclavicular ligaments.

Use this code for documented diagnoses of an AC joint sprain, AC ligament sprain, or shoulder separation affecting the AC joint. This applies when the physician's documentation explicitly states a sprain of the acromioclavicular joint or its associated ligaments. Documentation should specify the anatomical site (AC joint) and the nature of the injury (sprain).

• Ensure the documentation specifies "sprain" of the AC joint, not a fracture or dislocation without ligamentous injury.
• Laterality (left or right shoulder) is not specified by this code; if available, consider using a more specific code if one exists in a different code set or for future coding systems.
• Distinguish from shoulder dislocations (e.g., glenohumeral joint) which involve different anatomical structures and have separate codes.