u/Affectionate-Bad5061

Hi everyone. I injured my AC joint about 1 month ago and I’m looking for some opinions/advice.

First image is normal x-ray
Second is weighted/stress X-ray

Some doctors told me I may need surgery, while others recommended conservative treatment only.

Whenever I put load on the shoulder (for example when putting on a shirt), I get a strange unstable feeling, almost like the clavicle/bone is moving or not stable enough.

My MRI findings:
AC joint capsule tear
Partial tear of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments
Increased fluid in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa
Minimal superior displacement
No fracture or major tendon damage

I’m 26 and physically active (play football).

You can watch how this happened(blue team number 20)

Does this look more like a low-grade type III / borderline type II-III injury?

Also, is this “unstable” feeling at 1 month post-injury still considered normal during healing?

Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated.

First X-ray is my injuried shoulder(R) and another one normal.

I had an MRI of my right shoulder as well. Findings:

* AC joint capsule tear

* Coracoclavicular (CC) ligament tear

*Increased fluid in the subacromial–subdeltoid bursa

* Minimal superior displacement

* No fracture or major tendon damage

From what I understand, this seems to be a borderline case between a Type II and Type III AC joint injury, with partial (not complete) ligament tears.

I’m 26 and physically active (play football).

Some doctors recommend surgery, others suggest conservative treatment.

Is surgery necessary in my case?

Can I achieve full recovery without surgery?

What are the risks if I avoid surgery?

Need advice please