Dislocated Shoulder

Made up of the humerous (the ball) and shoulder socket (glenoid), the shoulder is the joint with the largest range of motion and greatest flexibility. This also makes it the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, either in a partial dislocation (the upper armbone is partially out of the socket) or complete dislocation (completely out of the socket).

What Causes a Dislocated Shoulder?

Complete or partial dislocation generally happens in sports, car accidents or falls. Extreme rotation can cause the humerus to pop out of the socket, and a strong blow can pull the bones out of joint.

What Are the Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder?

• Sharp pain
• Inability to move the shoulder
• Swelling and bruising
• Shoulder appears misshapen
• Numbness, weakness or tingling at the injury site
• Muscle spasm radiating down your arm

How Is a Dislocated Shoulder Evaluated?

Your physician will conduct a physical exam and ask for a complete history of the injury, including if there was a previous injury at the site. X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to rule out broken bones.

How Is a Dislocated Shoulder Treated?

Self Care

If you suspect that your shoulder is dislocated:

• Don't try to force the shoulder back into place
• Wear a sling or splint to minimize movement until you can get medical attention
• Ice the injury
• Go immediately for emergency care

Nonsurgical

• Your physician will pop the bone back into the socket. (Do NOT try this on your own.) You will be given a muscle relaxant or mild sedative.
• Shoulder is immobilized with a sling or brace
• Ice shoulder several times a day for 20 minutes for the first few days after injury. After the first few days, apply moist heat instead.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). (Your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers.)
• Keep shoulder inactive for several weeks, then your physician will prescribe rehabilitation exercises to restore range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles.
• Do not return to activity until you have full range of motion back.

Surgical

If your physician is unable to pop the bone back into the socket, it may need to be done surgically under general anesthesia.  If your shoulder remains unstable or chronically problematic, surgery may be ordered to repair torn or stretched ligaments and damaged nerve and blood vessels. See Shoulder Surgery .

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).