(English) Episode 272-The blueprint for shoulder separation recovery

This systematic review analyzes 25 clinical studies to identify the modifiable factors that influence how quickly and successfully athletes return to sport after an acromioclavicular joint injury. The research indicates a high overall success rate, with approximately 90.8% of patients resuming athletic activities and most reaching their pre-injury performance levels within roughly four and a half months. Key findings suggest that non-operative treatments allow for a significantly faster recovery, while early surgical intervention and the use of allograft reconstructions may improve the likelihood of a full performance recovery for high-grade injuries. Additionally, the study highlights that initiating strengthening exercises within six weeks of injury or surgery is associated with accelerated recovery timelines. Ultimately, the authors call for more standardized reporting and prospective research to better guide clinical decision-making and rehabilitation protocols for athletes.(Elliott WC, Olivo B, Abraham A, Hernandez EJ, Hanna T. Return to sport after acromioclavicular injury: A systematic review of modifiable factors. J Clin Med [Internet]. 2025;14(21):7656. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217656)