Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocation is a painful injury that occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of its normal position in the shoulder joint. The most common causes of a dislocated shoulder include falls, direct blows to the shoulder or violent twisting of the shoulder.

Often, there is damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, nerves and blood vessels of the shoulder joint. It is possible to have a shoulder fracture and dislocation at the same time. 

Diagnosing Shoulder Dislocation

If you suspect you have a dislocated shoulder, seek medical attention immediately. We can help diagnose your condition and find a treatment option that works for you.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of shoulder dislocation include:

• Bruising
• Inability to move the shoulder
• Numbness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Visible deformity of the shoulder

Diagnosis

We may use different tests to diagnose a dislocated shoulder:

• A physical exam to assess pain, swelling and range of motion in your shoulder
• X-ray, which uses a tiny dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the shoulder joint

Shoulder Dislocation Treatment

Depending on the extent of your shoulder dislocation, we may recommend one or more treatments.

Following these initial treatments, most people who experience shoulder dislocation can return to regular activities after a few weeks of rehabilitation and rest. However, once you have dislocated your shoulder joint, you may be at increased risk for dislocating it again. 

Nonsurgical Treatments

Nonsurgical treatments for shoulder dislocation include:

• Reduction—during this procedure, your surgeon or emergency room doctor gently maneuvers your shoulder into its correct position. You may have local or general anesthesia before this procedure. Reduction is typically the first line of treatment for a dislocated shoulder.
• Immobilization—your doctor may require you to wear a sling for a few weeks to allow your shoulder to heal.
• Physical therapy—you may need physical therapy after wearing a sling to strengthen your shoulder area. Physical therapy can help reduce your chances of another dislocation. 

Surgical Treatments

You may need shoulder surgery if there is blood vessel, nerve or ligament damage from the dislocation, or if you experience recurring dislocations.