What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Complete Shoulder Dislocation
• Dislocated Shoulder
• Partial Shoulder Dislocation

What is Shoulder Dislocation? (Definition/Background Information)

• The shoulder joint is made up of 3 different bones - the shoulder blade (scapula), the collarbone (clavicle), and the upper arm bone (humerus)
• A Shoulder Dislocation is a painful and traumatic injury that occurs, when the top end of the humerus bone is forced out of the shoulder socket, either partially or completely. This results in either a Partial Shoulder Dislocation or a Complete Shoulder Dislocation
• Such dislocations are usually caused by high-energy impacts resulting from an athletic sport, a motor vehicle accident, or a fall from a substantial height
• Overall, men have the highest rate of incidence of the condition
• A high percentage of Shoulder Dislocations do not require any surgical correction

Who gets Shoulder Dislocation? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Shoulder Dislocations may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
• However, it is more common in men than women
• Generally, men who are physically active, have a high incident rate

What are the Risk Factors for Shoulder Dislocation? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with a Shoulder Dislocation include:

• Participation in high-risk contact sports, such as football, soccer, rugby
• Adolescents and young adults have an increased risk due a higher probability of participating in physical activities (may be high-impact)
• Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of fall injuries
• Studies have indicated that Shoulder Dislocations may have a genetic component

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Shoulder Dislocation? (Etiology)

A few causes of a Shoulder Dislocation include:

• Direct trauma to the shoulder, due to an automobile accident
• Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
• Falling from a significant height; especially landing on one’s shoulder/arm, or falling with an outstretched hand (or the injury occurring since the individual is overweight)
• Improper lifting of a child

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation?

Sign and symptoms of a Shoulder Dislocation include:

• Swelling, bruising, numbness in the shoulder
• Excruciating pain, particularly while moving the arm or shoulder
• Visible deformity of the shoulder joint
• A lump in the armpit

How is Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Shoulder Dislocation include:

• Physical examination: A physician will perform a thorough physical examination of the shoulder and arm. The physician will examine the shoulder, while checking if any arteries or nerves are trapped. In addition to this, a complete medical history may aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of shoulder joint: An x-ray of the shoulder joint is a common method in evaluating a Shoulder Dislocation. This diagnostic test provides a clear image of the dislocation, shows if any bones are broken, and is useful in identifying any other damage to the shoulder joint
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder joint:  An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses a magnetic field to produce images that allow a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue, which surrounds the shoulder joint. This aids in confirming a diagnosis
• Electromyography (EMG): An EMG shows the electrical activity of the muscle during rest and during contraction. Examining the electrical activity may help a physician study and identify any muscle or nerve disorders, resulting from recurring Shoulder Dislocations

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Shoulder Dislocation?

Some complications of a Shoulder Dislocation may include:

• Permanent damage to nerves and blood vessels
• Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations (chronic shoulder instability)

How is Shoulder Dislocation Treated?

A high percentage of Shoulder Dislocation injuries do not a require surgery. However, a small percentage of cases require surgery, in order to help realign the shoulder joint and repair any damaged ligaments.

Nonsurgical treatment measures include:

• Applying ice to the shoulder can help reduce pain and swelling
• Complete immobilization of the shoulder with a cast, may be required to restrict movement
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Shoulder Dislocation. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the muscles, increase stability, and decrease stiffness. A physical therapist may recommend an exercise program to aid in treating the condition.

Surgical treatment measures include:

• Closed reduction: Closed reduction is a surgical treatment method that is used to realign the shoulder joint, back to its original position without making an incision. This procedure can be performed under general anesthesia, or through conscious sedation with muscle.

How can Shoulder Dislocation be Prevented?

To prevent a Shoulder Dislocation, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Shoulder Dislocation include:

• Wearing appropriate footwear (such as the proper shoe size) may help prevent accidents
• Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sports, such as football, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of any shoulder injury

What is the Prognosis of Shoulder Dislocation? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long term prognosis of a Shoulder Dislocation is usually good, in a majority of the individuals. With proper treatment, a high percentage of the individuals can regain their full strength and range of motion, in the affected shoulder
• Some individuals with severely dislocated conditions may experience adverse long-term effects, due to damage of the surrounding structures. Immediate medical assistance is vital in reducing the possibility of development of any serious complications
• It may take several weeks, to recover from a Shoulder Dislocation, and for the individuals to achieve optimal results

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Shoulder Dislocation:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/