How does a shoulder separation occur at the acromioclavicular joint?

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vertebrate: skeleton — skeleton Selected vertebrate skeletons.

A shoulder separation occurs when the ligaments that support the acromioclavicular joint are ruptured, leading to a dislocation of the joint.1

Anatomically, the acromioclavicular joint is the articulation between the lateral end of the clavicle and the acromion, which is the outer edge of the scapula. This joint is normally stabilized by the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments. When these supporting structures are torn, the joint loses its stability, resulting in the separation of the shoulder.1