Disclosures: Olga Komargodski, MD: Nothing to disclose

Case Description: Patient’s rehabilitation was affected by right shoulder pain. Bony prominence was noted over the right shoulder. Imaging demonstrated type III acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. Orthopedic surgery recommended conservative measures, with no activity restrictions. Kinesio tape was utilized as a modality to promote the use of the right upper extremity to improve occupational performance with ADLs and IADLs while managing pain. The kinesio tape was worn for 5 days for a total of two applications during the stay.

Setting: Rehabilitation Unit in Tertiary Hospital

Patient: 77-year-old female admitted to acute rehabilitation unit after a traumatic fall 12 days ago, sustaining right fronto-parietal subdural hematoma and right shoulder injury with pain.

Assessment/Results: The patient reported improvement in immediate pain-free range of motion and a reduction in pain from 6/10 to 3/10. She was able to participate in therapy sessions. Patient was then discharged home after 10 days of therapy. FIM improved from 79 on admission to 107 on discharge.

Discussion: AC joint dislocation is a common injury among active people. AC joint dislocations are classified according to Rockwood criteria into 5 types with type III as the most common injury. In this type both the acromioclavicular and the coracoclavicular ligaments are torn, with distal clavicle 100% displaced. Type III AC may be treated with conservative measures or with surgical intervention. Kinesio taping technique originated in Japan in 1970 and gradually gained popularity in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Kinesio taping improves shoulder pain and disability post stroke. For shoulder pain, Kinesio tape application provided an improvement in immediate pain-free range of motion. There are no randomized studies on the effects of Kinesio taping on AC joint dislocation.

Conclusion: Kinesio taping of the shoulder in type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation provided an improvement in pain and range of motion in acute rehabilitation setting. Further studies are needed in a controlled setting.

Level of Evidence: Level V

« Back to AAPM&R Annual Assembly 2019

PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/treatment-of-acromioclavicular-joint-dislocation-type-iii-with-kinesio-taping-a-case-report/