AC joint reconstruction addresses chronic instability and pain after a severe shoulder separation. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with clinical expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow care.
He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. He also completed a sports medicine fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. His practice provides detailed procedure pages for shoulder conditions, helping patients in Los Angeles learn about their options before moving forward with surgery.
AC Joint Reconstruction Procedure Overview
AC joint reconstruction repairs the acromioclavicular joint after a complete separation that does not heal with nonsurgical care. The procedure uses a tendon graft to recreate the torn ligaments between the collarbone and shoulder blade. Your surgeon secures the graft with mechanical fixation to hold the joint in its natural position.
The surgery typically lasts between one and one and a half hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Jazayeri applies minimally invasive techniques throughout his practice, which can reduce tissue disruption during shoulder procedures. Most patients go home the same day with a sling and a clear recovery plan.
Indications For AC Joint Reconstruction Surgery
You may need AC joint reconstruction if you have ongoing pain, visible deformity, or shoulder weakness after a grade III or higher separation. People who do overhead work or play throwing sports often notice the instability more. Surgery becomes a consideration when physical therapy and activity changes do not restore enough function.
A drooping shoulder or a prominent collarbone that affects daily tasks are common reasons patients in Los Angeles seek surgical evaluation. Dr. Jazayeri takes a nonsurgical-first approach, exploring therapy and injections before recommending reconstruction. The decision depends on your injury severity, activity demands, and how the shoulder has responded to earlier treatment.
Surgical Techniques For AC Joint Repair
Modern AC joint repair uses a tendon graft, either from your own tissue or a donor, to rebuild the coracoclavicular ligaments. The graft passes through small bone tunnels in the clavicle and coracoid process, then gets fixed in place with sutures or buttons. Some techniques also tighten the AC capsule for added stability.
Dr. Jazayeri’s Bio-Fertilization Technique combines biologic augmentation, intraosseous modulation, and metabolic optimization as part of his surgical framework. This approach supports the body’s healing environment around the repair. The goal is a stable, anatomically positioned joint that lets you return to lifting, reaching, and athletic activity.
What To Expect During Recovery After Surgery
You will wake up with your arm in a sling, which you wear for several weeks to protect the repair. Pain medication helps manage discomfort during the first few days. You can expect to keep the shoulder still while the graft begins to heal, then start gentle pendulum exercises as directed.
Most people return to light daily activities within a few weeks, but lifting and overhead motion stay restricted longer. Dr. Jazayeri provides pre-op and post-op instruction pages so you know exactly what to do at each stage. Following these guidelines closely supports steady healing and reduces the chance of setbacks.
Physical Therapy Role In Shoulder Rehabilitation
Physical therapy starts with passive range-of-motion work and progresses to active strengthening over several months. Your therapist guides you through exercises that restore shoulder blade control, rotator cuff strength, and joint stability. The timeline moves in phases, with each phase cleared only when the shoulder meets specific motion and strength goals.
Dr. Jazayeri also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, a remote recovery program that keeps you connected to your plan between office visits. Consistent therapy work makes a meaningful difference in how well the shoulder moves and feels long after surgery.
Factors Influencing Recovery Time After Surgery
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the original injury, your age, overall health, and how closely you follow post-surgical instructions. Smokers and people with certain metabolic conditions often heal more slowly. Dr. Jazayeri addresses these variables before surgery through prehabilitation and nutritional optimization.
His protocol includes preoperative lab testing for vitamin D, inflammatory markers, hormone levels, and muscle status, with targeted supplementation when needed. This work is backed by his own peer-reviewed research. Patients who prepare the body ahead of surgery and commit to rehabilitation tend to progress more steadily through the recovery timeline.
Benefits Of Choosing Dr. Jazayeri For Your Procedure
Dr. Jazayeri brings over 15 years of experience treating athletes, active adults, and combat sports practitioners. He is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and he serves as faculty at the Smith+Nephew UFC Combat Sports Medicine Course. His practice includes biologic and regenerative medicine options such as PRP and stem cell augmentation.
He treats every patient with the same level of care he would give to his own family and friends.
Collarbone Fractures (Clavicle Fractures):
Open Reduction Internal Fixation With a Plate and Suture Implant Animation
This animated video demonstrates the use of a plate, screws, and suture button implant to repair a break in the collarbone.
Watch: Arthrex® Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair Using Coracoid Fixation
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Joint Reconstruction
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AC joint reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs chronic separations of the acromioclavicular joint. It is often needed when non-surgical treatments do not relieve pain or restore function.
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Good candidates typically have ongoing pain, visible deformity, or weakness in the shoulder after a severe separation. Athletes and individuals who perform overhead activities often seek this surgery when conservative treatments fail.
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Recovery involves wearing a sling for several weeks and gradually starting physical therapy. Most patients return to light daily activities within a few weeks, but full recovery can take several months.
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Physical therapy is crucial for restoring strength and motion in the shoulder. It starts with gentle exercises and progresses as you heal, helping you regain full function.
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Dr. Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He uses advanced techniques and a personalized approach to ensure each patient receives the highest level of care.
Why Choose Dr. Jazayeri For AC Joint Reconstruction?
Choosing the right surgeon for your AC joint reconstruction is crucial. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine.
He has treated many athletes and active adults in the Greater Los Angeles area. His training at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic provides a solid foundation in advanced surgical techniques.
Dr. Jazayeri takes a personalized approach to each patient. He explores non-surgical options first and uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
His focus on recovery includes nutritional optimization and biologic treatments, which can enhance healing. Patients appreciate his dedication to treating them like family, ensuring they receive the highest level of care.
Dr. Jazayeri is dedicated to helping you regain shoulder stability and function.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
I am a hairdresser and I couldn’t work for the past 2 years. I saw Dr. Jayazeri and he did my shoulder replacement surgery. It was the best experience I’ve ever had. He is an amazing surgeon and human being. Now 5 weeks after my surgery, I’m back at work! I highly recommend Dr. Jazayeri.
Schedule Your Consultation For AC Joint Reconstruction
If shoulder instability or pain keeps you from the activities you value, a consultation can clarify your options. Dr. Jazayeri evaluates your injury, reviews imaging, and discusses whether AC joint reconstruction fits your situation. His practice serves patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area, with convenient access from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities.
Virtual visits are also available. Reach out to the office to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward a more stable, functional shoulder.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
