Before we begin: A dislocated shoulder is an injury that happens when the top of upper arm bone pops out of the socket in your shoulder blade. It is painful and serious, and should be treated right away. Learn more.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about dislocated shoulder. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is a dislocated shoulder? Your shoulder joint is made up of three bones: your collarbone, your shoulder blade, and your upper arm bone. The top of your upper arm bone is shaped like a ball. This ball fits into a cuplike socket in your shoulder blade. A shoulder dislocation is an injury that happens when the ball pops out of your socket. A dislocation may be partial, where the ball is only partially out of the socket. It can also be a full dislocation, where the ball is completely out of the socket.
What causes a dislocated shoulder? Your shoulders are the most movable joints in your body. They are also the most commonly dislocated joints.
The most common causes of shoulder dislocations are:
Sports injuries
Accidents, including traffic accidents
Falling on your shoulder or outstretched arm
Seizures and electric shocks, which can cause muscle contractions that pull the arm out of place
Who is at risk for a dislocated shoulder? A dislocated shoulder can happen to anyone, but they are more common in young men, who are more often involved in sports and other physical activities. Older adults, especially women, are also at higher risk because they are more likely to fall.
What are the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder? The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include:
Severe shoulder pain
Swelling and bruising of your shoulder or upper arm
Numbness and/or weakness in your arm, neck, hand, or fingers
Trouble moving your arm
Your arm seems to be out of place
Muscle spasms in your shoulder
If you are having these symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
How is a dislocated shoulder diagnosed? To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will take a medical history and examine your shoulder. Your provider may also ask you to get an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatments for a dislocated shoulder? The treatment for dislocated shoulder usually involves three steps:
The first step is a closed reduction, a procedure in which your health care provider puts the ball of your upper arm back into the socket. You may first get medicine to relieve the pain and relax your shoulder muscles. Once the joint is back in place, the severe pain should end.
The second step is wearing a sling or other device to keep your shoulder in place. You will wear it for a few days to several weeks.
The third step is rehabilitation, once the pain and swelling have improved. You will do exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen your muscles.
You may need surgery if you injure the tissues or nerves around the shoulder or if you get repeated dislocations.
A dislocation can make your shoulder unstable. When that happens, it takes less force to dislocate it. This means that there is a higher risk of it happening again. Your health care provider may ask you to continue doing some exercises to prevent another dislocation.
Related topics: Shoulder Dislocation.
Categories: Bones, Joints and Muscles, Injuries and Wounds.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding dislocated shoulder is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.