A dislocation is the displacement of one or more bones at a joint, causing them to be forced out of their normal position. This can be extremely painful and cause limited mobility of the joint.
One of the most common dislocations is that of the shoulder. Boston Hand to Shoulder’s shoulder specialists can diagnose a dislocated shoulder and determine the best treatment for each patient based on their specific case.
What Is a Dislocated Shoulder?
As mentioned, a dislocation is when a bone in a joint is displaced. In the case of shoulder dislocations, the ball at the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of its socket in the shoulder blade (glenoid). Dislocation can be full or partial. Full dislocation is when the ball entirely leaves the socket, while partial refers to cases where the ball is only partially out of the socket.
A dislocated shoulder will result in extreme pain, the inability to move the arm, and the joint appearing visibly out of place. A shoulder specialist should be seen as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment.
Causes & Diagnosis
Shoulder dislocation is almost always caused by trauma to the shoulder. This can include:
- Falling on an outstretched arm
- Sports injuries
- Car accidents
- Forceful twisting of the arm
In rare cases, shoulder dislocation can be caused by repetitive motions, such as those seen in swimming and other aerobic sports.
Fortunately, a dislocated shoulder is extremely easy to diagnose. A shoulder specialist will usually be able to tell immediately if the shoulder has been dislocated with just a quick physical examination.
Dislocated Shoulder Symptoms
The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder are often extremely noticeable. Such symptoms include:
- Intense pain in the shoulder that radiates down the arm.
- Difficulty or inability to move your arm.
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or fingers.
- Swelling or bruising of the shoulder.
- Muscle spasms around the shoulder joint.
- A popping sensation when the injury occurs.
If you are experiencing any or all of the above symptoms, treatment should be sought as soon as possible.
Treatment
In most cases treatment for a dislocated shoulder will take the form of a closed reduction. This is when a shoulder specialist manually manipulates the arm to guide the ball joint back into the shoulder socket. This is then followed up with ice, pain relievers, and some light physical therapy.
If shoulder dislocations become recurrent, or if there is substantial damage to ligaments, tendons, or bone, then surgery may be recommended. This involves the shoulder specialist making an incision and repairing damaged ligaments, tendons, or bones.
One of our shoulder specialists will be able to determine which course of treatment is right for you and your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Dislocated Shoulder Feel Like?
A dislocated shoulder will often feel like a popping sensation when the injury occurs. You will then feel weakness and severely reduced range of motion in the affected arm.
What Does a Dislocated Shoulder Look Like?
A dislocated shoulder will often appear sunken. This means that it appears to hang lower than it usually does.
How Long Is Dislocated Shoulder Recovery Time?
In most cases, full recovery will take 12-16 weeks for a first-time, non-surgical injury. During this time you will slowly increase activity levels until you are back to your normal range of motion and strength level.