Acromioclavicular ligament

Looks like

Short bands over the top and back of the small joint between the collarbone end and the acromion.

What it does

Keep the collarbone from sliding forward and backward on the shoulder blade.

Keeping it well

Torn when falling onto the shoulder (AC joint sprain). A step at the top of the shoulder means a more severe tear.

Related conditions

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Gout
• Haemophilia & bleeding disorders
• Lyme disease
• Marfan syndrome & connective tissue disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatic fever & rheumatic heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Shoulder dislocation
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Temporomandibular joint disorder