Medically Reviewed by Lawrence Colvin, PA-C
The shoulder joint is the body’s most mobile joint. It can turn in many directions, but this advantage also makes the shoulder an easy joint to dislocate.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula) and the collarbone (clavicle). A partial dislocation (subluxation) means the head of the upper arm bone is partially out of the socket (glenoid). A complete dislocation means it is all the way out of the socket. Both partial and complete dislocations cause pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Bruising
- Unsteadiness
- Deformity
Sometimes a dislocation may tear ligaments or tendons in the shoulder or damage nerves.
Causes
The shoulder joint can dislocate forward, backward, or downward. A common type of shoulder dislocation is when the shoulder slips forward (anterior instability). This means the upper arm bone moved forward and out of its socket. It may happen when the arm is put in a throwing position.
Nonsurgical Treatment
The immediate treatment for a dislocated shoulder is a closed reduction. During a closed reduction, the ball of the upper arm bone is placed back into the joint socket. Severe pain stops almost immediately once the shoulder is back in place. This can sometimes be done on the field but often requires a trip to the ER to have the reduction done with sedation.
Your physician may immobilize the shoulder in a sling or other device for several weeks following treatment. Plenty of early rest is needed. The sore area can be iced 3 to 4 times a day. After the pain and swelling go down, rehabilitation exercises will be prescribed to help restore the shoulder’s range of motion and strengthen the muscles, beginning with gentle muscle toning exercises. Later on, weight training can be introduced. Rehabilitation may also help prevent dislocation of the shoulder again in the future.
Learn more about our therapy services offered at Raleigh Orthopaedic.
If shoulder dislocation becomes a recurrent problem, a brace can sometimes help, especially for players returning to contact sports. However, if therapy and bracing fail, surgery may be needed to repair or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments that help hold the joint in place, particularly in young athletes.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery for shoulder dislocations/instability is typically done arthroscopically (using a camera and instruments through small skin incisions). The labrum is mobilized and the bone along the rim of the socket (glenoid) is prepared to help stimulate the healing of the soft tissue. Anchors, with high strength sutures in them, are placed in the bone and the sutures are passed around the labrum and capsule to secure it to the bone. This ‘tightens’ the shoulder and re-creates the bumper effect of the labrum to prevent dislocation of the shoulder.
Open repairs for shoulder instability can also be performed. Often referred to as an open Bankart repair, this involves a longer incision in the front of the shoulder and similar techniques using anchors to tension the capsule and repair the labrum.
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer:Â The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.