Shoulder Dislocations
Introduction:
Shoulder dislocations are one of the most common dislocations in close-contact sports such as football, volleyball, hockey, and water polo. Sports that involve falls can also cause this such as skiing, gymnastics, and volleyball. Shoulder dislocations usually occur when the arm is violently forced out and away from the body. Damage to the ligaments and bone often occurs, which may lead to recurrent dislocations, especially in younger athletes. Less energy may be needed to cause repeat dislocations because of the damage from the original injury.
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation is an injury where the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that is attached to the shoulder blade. The shoulder is the body's most flexible joint and provides a full range of motion, which makes it more likely to dislocate.
The 3 different types of shoulder dislocations:
Anterior (forward). The head of the arm bone (humerus) is moved forward, in front of the socket (glenoid). This is the most common type of dislocation and usually happens when the arm is extended.
Posterior (behind). The head of the arm bone is moved behind and above the socket. This is an uncommon type of dislocation that is usually caused by seizures or electrical shock.
Inferior (bottom). The head of the arm bone is pushed down and out of the socket toward the armpit. This is the least common type of dislocation.
Some Tissues that can be Damaged in the Event of Shoulder Dislocations:
Ligaments
Cartilage
Tendons
Muscles
Nerves
Blood vessels
Symptoms:
Malformation
Swelling
Bruising
Intense pain
Inability to move it
Weakness
Numbness
Tingling in other areas like the neck of the arm
Spasms in the muscles that make it hurt worse
Tearing of the muscles around the shoulder joint
Damage to blood vessels or nerves
Instability in the shoulder
Diagnosis & Tests:
Your doctor or care provider will ask you to perform a physical exam to see what shape you’re in and your ability to perform. They can test you through CT scans (computed tomography), imaging, tests, x-rays, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Scans may be needed to confirm the location and severity of the injury or to check for additional damage.
Treatments:
Closed reduction- the doctor can try to put your shoulder back in place by moving your arm in a certain way. Pain medicine may be given before the procedure to reduce discomfort
Surgery- This can be recommended if you have a weak shoulder joint or have had many dislocated shoulders in the past. Surgery can help tighten and stabilize the surrounding tissues that help with the arm bone
Immbolizaiton- The doctor can use a splint or a sling to keep your shoulder still. You may need to wear the splint or sling for a few days or weeks depending on the severity of the injury and what your doctor says
Rehabilitation- Once the sling has been taken off, you may need physical therapy to help get your shoulder back to normal.
Prevention:
By taking some of these basic steps you may be able to prevent another shoulder dislocation
Avoiding falls when possible
Wearing shoulder pads and gear that can help in the occurrence of a harmful fall
Exercising to keep your shoulder strong and flexible
Sources:
“Dislocated Shoulder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 23 Aug. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dislocated-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20371715#:~:text=Shoulder%20dislocation%20is%20a%20common,vehicle%20accident%20can%20cause%20dislocation.
“Shoulder Dislocations: Orthopedics Sports Medicine.” Intermountain Healthcare, intermountainhealthcare.org/medical-specialties/orthopedics-sports-medicine/conditions/shoulder-dislocations/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.
“Articles.” Cedars, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/s/shoulder-dislocation.html. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.
“Shoulder Dislocation - Orthoinfo - Aaos.” OrthoInfo, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/dislocated-shoulder/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.
Shoulder Dislocations Overview - Statpearls - NCBI Bookshelf, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459125/. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.
Pennmedicine.Org, www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/orthopaedics/shoulder-https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/orthopaedics/shoulder-pain/shoulder-dislocation-diagnosis-and-treatmentpain/shoulder-dislocation-diagnosis-and-treatment. Accessed 16 Jan. 2024.