Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocation is an injury that occurs when the joint surfaces for bones are separated. The shoulder joint allows a very wide range of motion, and because of this, the joint can be dislocated easily. A shoulder dislocation can be complete or partial (also called a subluxation), depending on how far the joint surfaces are separated. Both are accompanied by pain in the shoulder.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel a part of our family. We specialize in treating injuries, including dislocated shoulders, and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include swelling, weakness in the shoulder, bruising, spasms, and/or numbness. There can be torn ligaments or tendons in the shoulder and/or damaged nerves during a dislocation as well.

Treatment

The shoulder joint can dislocate in a number of different directions; however, the most common (anterior dislocation) is when the shoulder slips forward, and the humeral head rolls out of the front of the socket. This means the upper arm bone moved forward and down out of its joint. It is crucial to let your doctor know how many times the shoulder has dislocated and how it happened so that proper diagnoses and treatment can be provided.

Typically, surgery is not needed unless nonsurgical treatments continue to fail over time. The ball of the humerus (upper arm bone) will be placed back into the socket by the doctor, and the pain usually stops after this is done. Pain medications are usually given before this procedure.

Physical Therapy

A sling or other device may be needed for a period of time allowing the shoulder to rest and be stabilized. Once the shoulder is healed, physical therapy exercises will help you regain strength, range of motion, and mobility. Strengthening the shoulder should help prevent future dislocations. If the problem becomes common (chronic) and all other treatments fail, surgery could be needed to repair the shoulder.

As with all of our procedures, the goal is to get you back to full strength and doing the activities you want to do. Our highly trained specialists will take into account several factors and create a customized treatment plan for you and your needs.

At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to help you return to full mobility as quickly as possible.