Shoulder Dislocation

The shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body. It's unique design allows a full range of motion, but unfortunately this design also makes it vulnerable to dislocation. 

Most often, the shoulder is dislocated because of a strong force that either pulls the shoulder outward or an extreme rotation of the shoulder causes the ball of the humerus to actually pop out of the shoulder socket. A fracture of the humerus and tearing of the ligament and tendons that support the shoulder joint may also occur when the shoulder dislocates, and in some instances nerve damage may also result.

The injury is extremely painful, and the arm will look out of position. Swelling, numbness, weakness, and bruising are likely to develop, and muscles spasms may increase the pain.

Treatment of the injury typically includes manipulating the ball of the joint back into the socket -- a procedure called  reduction -- and immobilization with a sling or shoulder immobilizer. Ice may be applied as directed by your physician to help reduce the swelling and anti-inflammatory medication may also be prescribed. If the injury is quite severe,  surgery may be necessary to repair the damage. Rehabilitation is usually used to help regain mobility of the shoulder and to build muscle to prevent the shoulder from dislocating again.

Sometimes after treatment and recovery, a dislocated shoulder may remain more susceptible to re-injury. Ligaments may have been stretched or torn, and the shoulder may tend to dislocate again. A shoulder that dislocates severely or often, injuring surrounding tissues or nerves, usually requires surgical repair to tighten stretched ligaments or reattach torn ones.

Sometimes the doctor performs surgery through a tiny incision into which a small scope (arthroscope) is inserted to observe the inside of the joint. After this procedure, called arthroscopic surgery, the shoulder is generally immobilized for about 6 weeks and a full recovery takes several months. Arthroscopic techniques involving the shoulder are relatively new and many surgeons prefer to repair a recurrent dislocating shoulder by the time tested open surgery under direct vision. There are usually fewer repeat dislocations and improved movement following open surgery, but it may take a little longer to regain motion.