Return to play after nonoperative management for a severe type III acromioclavicular separation in the throwing shoulder of a collegiate pitcher

AbstractBackground. Treatment of type III acromioclavicular (AC) separations is controversial, especially in the dominant shoulder of a high-level throwing athlete. This case report describes the return to play after nonoperative management of a collegiate baseball pitcher with a severe type III AC separation in his throwing shoulder. Hypothesis/purpose. Case report of return to play with nonoperative management of a type III AC separation in the throwing shoulder of a collegiate pitcher. Study design. A case report of a single patient. Methods. Prospective data were recorded in the case of a collegiate pitcher who suffered an acute injury to the dominant shoulder, resulting in a severe type III AC separation. He was initially treated with a figure-of-8 brace and a sling. Postinjury, strengthening of the wrist, hand, and elbow began at 3½ weeks, and shoulder range of motion (ROM) and a periscapular strengthening program began at 6 weeks. At 2 months postinjury, a deformity was still present, but the athle...