Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation is an injury in which the top of the upper arm bone (the humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (the glenoid). This common but painful injury often happens during sports, falls, or accidents. Dislocations can be partial (subluxation) or complete, and may damage surrounding ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Treatment ranges from simple rest to shoulder surgery to repair the joint.

What Causes a Dislocated Shoulder?

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body, which makes it more likely to dislocate than other joints. Shoulder dislocations are typically caused by:

• Sports injuries, especially in contact or overhead sports like football, basketball, or volleyball
• Falls, such as slipping on ice or falling off a bike
• Car accidents or other high-impact trauma
• Loose ligaments from previous injuries or medical conditions like hypermobility

Once a shoulder has been dislocated, it may become more prone to future dislocations without proper care.

What Are the Symptoms of a Shoulder Dislocation?

Common signs and symptoms of shoulder dislocation include:

• Sudden, intense shoulder pain
• Visible change—the shoulder may look out of place or flattened
• Inability to move the arm without pain
• Swelling or bruising
• Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
• Muscle spasms around the joint

When Should I See a Doctor for Shoulder Dislocation?

See a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Sudden shoulder pain after a fall or accident
• A shoulder that looks out of place or deformed
• Inability to move your arm or intense pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or fingers

Prompt care reduces the risk of long-term damage and makes recovery easier.

How Is a Dislocated Shoulder Diagnosed?

To diagnose a shoulder dislocation, your doctor will:

• Ask about how the injury happened
• Examine your shoulder’s range of motion, appearance, and strength
• Perform diagnostic procedures
  • X-rays to confirm the dislocation and check for broken bones
  • MRI or CT scan to see soft tissue damage

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term problems.

How Is a Dislocated Shoulder Treated?

Treatment for a dislocated shoulder usually depends on how severe the injury is and whether it’s your first dislocation. The goal of treatment is to safely restore the shoulder to its normal position and reduce the risk of future dislocations.

Nonsurgical Treatments

If you have a first-time or uncomplicated dislocation, nonoperative treatment may be enough:

• Closed reduction: This will typically occur in the emergency room with sedation –  a specialist gently manipulates the arm to set it back into place
• Immobilization: Wearing a sling for a few weeks can allow the joint to heal
• Pain relief medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy

Most people regain full motion within a few weeks to months if they follow rehab instructions closely.

Surgical Treatments

You may need shoulder surgery if:

• You suffer your first dislocation and are under 20 years of age
• You’ve had repeated dislocations
• You have a torn labrum, ligaments, or rotator cuff
• The shoulder remains unstable after physical therapy
• You’re an athlete or active adult

Common surgical procedures include:

• Arthroscopic labral repair (“Bankart” repair): Reattaches torn cartilage
• Remplissage: The infraspinatus tendon and capsule are placed into the humeral head defect (Hill-Sachs defect)
  • Often performed with arthroscopic Bankart
  • Remplissage is a French word that means “to fill”

If there is significant bone loss, your surgeon may recommend:

• Latarjet: Transfer of the coracoid process to the glenoid defect
• Glenoid augmentation: Adds a bone graft to the socket to improve stability
  • Distal tibial allograft (cadaver)
  • Autologous (from your body) distal clavicle

These surgeries are often done minimally invasively and have high success rates.

In patients over age 40, the rotator cuff may be torn, necessitating:

• Rotator cuff repair: If the rotator cuff tendons are torn, they may need to be repaired along with the dislocation.

What Are the Risks of Shoulder Dislocation Surgery?

Although shoulder surgery is generally safe, there are some risks, such as:

• Recurrent instability if healing is incomplete
• Joint stiffness or limited mobility
• Need for revision surgery
• Infection
• Nerve injury (rare)

Choosing a qualified orthopedic surgeon and following your post-op plan helps reduce these risks.

What Does Recovery from Shoulder Dislocation Surgery Involve?

Recovery after shoulder stabilization surgery usually includes:

• Wearing a sling for several weeks to protect the repair
• Avoiding overhead lifting or contact sports until fully cleared
• Physical therapy to restore motion and prevent stiffness
• Gradual strengthening over time and return to normal activity over time

Following your rehabilitation program is crucial for long-term success.

How Long Does Overall Recovery Take?

Recovery time depends on the treatment strategy used, the extent of the injury, and how well you follow your care plan.

• Nonoperative cases: 4 to 6 weeks for dislocations
• Surgical cases: 6 months for full recovery and up to 1 year or longer for full return to play in contact sports

What Is the Outlook After a Dislocated Shoulder?

Most people recover well from a dislocated shoulder, especially if they receive timely treatment. Physical therapy can restore strength and prevent future injuries. Surgery may be needed to correct instability in more serious or repeat cases, and it’s highly effective when followed by proper rehabilitation.