Shoulder & Elbow
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. It's one of the most common joint dislocations, particularly in active individuals.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms
- Visibly deformed or out-of-place shoulder
- Severe pain
- Inability to move the arm
- Swelling and bruising
- Numbness or weakness
Causes & Risk Factors
What leads to this condition
- Sports injuries
- Falls onto outstretched arm
- Direct blow to shoulder
- Extreme rotation of shoulder
Diagnosis
How we identify this condition
Physical examination and X-rays to confirm dislocation and rule out associated fractures.
Treatment Options
Available treatment approaches
Closed Reduction
conservativeManual repositioning of the shoulder joint, followed by immobilization
Recovery Time:3-4 months
Surgical Stabilization
surgicalSurgery to repair damaged structures, typically for recurrent dislocations
Success Rate:85-95%
Recovery Time:4-6 months
Recovery & Rehabilitation
What to expect during recovery
After reduction, the shoulder is immobilized for several weeks, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion.
Prevention Tips
How to reduce your risk
- Shoulder strengthening exercises
- Proper warm-up before activities
- Using proper techniques in sports
- Avoiding high-risk positions