Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is forced out of the glenoid cavity, which is the socket of the shoulder joint. This can happen due to a fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a sudden twisting motion.

Types of Shoulder Dislocations

• Anterior dislocation: The most common type, accounting for up to 97% of all shoulder dislocations. The humerus head is displaced anteriorly (to the front) in relation to the glenoid cavity.
• Posterior dislocation: Less common, accounting for around 2-4% of cases. The humerus head is displaced posteriorly (to the back) in relation to the glenoid cavity.
• Inferior dislocation: Rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. The humerus head is displaced downward, below the glenoid cavity.

Causes and Risk Factors

Shoulder dislocations can be caused by:

• Falls onto an outstretched hand or directly onto the shoulder
• Direct blows to the shoulder, such as in contact sports
• Sudden twisting motions, such as when throwing or lifting
• Seizures or electric shocks that cause muscle contractions

Risk factors include:

• Participating in contact sports, such as football or hockey
• Having a previous shoulder dislocation or instability
• Weakened shoulder muscles or ligaments due to age or injury

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include:

• Pain and tenderness in the shoulder area
• Swelling, bruising, or redness around the shoulder
• A visible deformity or bump on the shoulder
• Limited mobility or stiffness in the shoulder joint
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a shoulder dislocation typically involves:

• Physical examination and medical history
• X-rays to confirm the dislocation and rule out fractures
• CT or MRI scans to evaluate soft tissue damage and assess for any associated injuries

Treatment

Treatment for a shoulder dislocation typically involves:

• Reduction: The doctor will attempt to manually manipulate the humerus head back into the glenoid cavity.
• Immobilization: The shoulder is immobilized in a sling or brace for several weeks to allow healing and prevent further injury.
• Physical therapy: Gentle exercises and stretches are used to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the shoulder joint.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissues or stabilize the shoulder joint.

Complications and Prevention

Possible complications of a shoulder dislocation include:

• Nerve damage or numbness in the arm or hand
• Bone fractures or osteoarthritis
• Recurrent dislocations or chronic instability

To prevent shoulder dislocations, it is recommended to:

• Strengthen shoulder muscles through exercise and physical therapy
• Use proper technique when lifting or throwing
• Avoid falls by using protective gear and being mindful of surroundings