Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of its normal position in the shoulder socket (glenoid). This can be a full dislocation (completely out of the socket) or a partial dislocation (partially out of the socket). Dislocated shoulders are often accompanied by severe pain and an inability to move the shoulder until it is relocated back into the socket.

Shoulder dislocations are common among younger individuals who engage in sports like basketball, football, and volleyball or who experience falls. Older individuals are more prone to dislocations due to the weakening of ligaments and shoulder joints over time.

Symptoms and Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder

• Severe pain in the affected shoulder joint.
• Inability to move the arm or shoulder due to intense pain.
• Feeling of looseness in the shoulder, as if the arm is dangling or unsupported.
• Physical deformity: The shoulder may appear misshapen or "sunken" as the humeral head has shifted out of place.
• Numbness, tingling, and weakness may occur in the shoulder and upper arm.

Causes of a Dislocated Shoulder

The shoulder joint is highly mobile and can move in multiple directions, making it the most frequently dislocated joint in the body. The shoulder can be dislocated forward, backward, or downward, but most dislocations occur when the head of the humerus is displaced forward.

Common causes of shoulder dislocation include

• Falls or slips: A dislocation may occur if you fall directly onto your shoulder, such as falling from stairs or slipping on a slick surface.
• Non-sports-related trauma: A direct blow to the shoulder, such as in a car accident, can cause a dislocation.
• Sports injuries: Dislocated shoulders are common in contact sports like soccer, hockey, rugby, or in sports that involve falls like skiing or gymnastics./li>
• Over-flexibility: People with overly flexible joints or loose shoulder ligaments (e.g., hypermobility syndrome) are more prone to shoulder dislocations.

Treatment for a Dislocated Shoulder

The primary goal of treatment for a dislocated shoulder is to reduce pain and relocate the humerus back into its normal position in the socket. Various methods are used to achieve this:

• Hennepin Maneuver: The patient lies flat while the doctor bends the elbow at 90 degrees and gently rotates the arm externally. Muscle spasms generally subside after 5-10 minutes of gentle pressure, allowing the shoulder to naturally relocate.
• Traction-Counter Traction: The patient lies flat while a sheet is wrapped around the armpit. The doctor pulls down on the arm, while an assistant pulls on the sheet from the opposite direction, creating traction. This allows the humeral head to return to its normal position as the surrounding tissues relax.
• Open Reduction (Surgery): In rare cases, the shoulder cannot be reduced using non-surgical methods because a muscle, ligament, or bone fragment has become trapped in the joint, preventing relocation. Surgery may be necessary to return the humeral head to its proper place.

Recovery from a Dislocated Shoulder

After the shoulder is relocated, you can typically return home the same day. Initial treatment involves keeping the shoulder immobilized in a sling for a few days while the pain subsides.

Rehabilitation exercises are important for regaining mobility, reducing stiffness, and strengthening the shoulder joint. A doctor or physical therapist will guide you through specific exercises designed to improve your range of motion and prevent future dislocations.

By following medical advice and performing the recommended exercises, most individuals fully recover from a dislocated shoulder in a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury.