Shoulder Dislocation
Overview
Definition
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) pops out of the shallow shoulder socket of the scapula (called the glenoid). This can happen when a strong force pulls the shoulder upward or outward, or from an extreme external rotation of the humerus.
Glenohumeral dislocations are generally classified by the direction of dislocation of the humerus.
Dislocation can be full or partial:
- Partial dislocation (also called subluxation)—the head of the humerus slips out of the socket momentarily and then snaps back into place
- Full dislocation—the head of the humerus comes completely out of the socket
Shoulder dislocations can also be associated with fractures—one can have a fracture and dislocation at the same time. Nerves and blood vessels can sometimes be injured with a severe shoulder dislocation, requiring immediate medical attention.
Shoulder Dislocation |
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SymptomsandDiagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and how the injury occurred, and will examine the injured area. Diagnosis is also based on the physical exam of your shoulder area. The doctor may do an x-ray to rule out a related fracture or damaged surrounding soft tissue and to see which direction the shoulder is dislocated.
Treatments
Treatment
Initial Care
Seek medical care right away. Do not try to put your shoulder bones back into place. If you wait for treatment, you could cause permanent damage.
The doctor will move the head of the humerus back into the shoulder joint socket by applying traction to your arm. You will be given pain medication before this procedure begins. After the reduction, you will need to wear a sling or a device called a shoulder immobilizer to keep the shoulder from moving. The shoulder is generally immobilized for about 4 weeks, and full recovery takes several months. Surgery is rarely needed for a first time dislocation. It is often needed for a shoulder that dislocates repeatedly.
Rest and Recovery
It is important to rest your shoulder and not put any strain on the joint area. This will require a reduction in activities while your shoulder heals. However, complete rest is rarely required. Ice and elevating your arm at rest may also be advised to help with discomfort and swelling. Ask your doctor when you can switch from ice to heat.
As you recover, you may be referred to physical therapy or rehabilitation to start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Do not return to activities or sports until your doctor gives you permission to do so.
Your doctor may advise nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help relieve inflammation and pain.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Dislocated Shoulder; Glenohumeral Dislocation)
RESOURCES
Ortho Info— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org
Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
References
Dislocated shoulder. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00035. Updated October 2007. Accessed December 17, 2014.
Quillen DM, Wuchner M, Hatch RL. Acute shoulder injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2004;15;70:1947-1954.
Shoulder dislocation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115848/Shoulder-dislocation . Updated October 2007. Accessed November 13, 2017.
Shoulder problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Shoulder%5FProblems/default.asp. Accessed November 13, 2017.