In short,

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the top of your upper arm bone, the humerus, pops out of the shoulder socket.
While it can happen to anyone, younger, active individuals are more susceptible to it happening again.
Treatment options vary widely, from simple, non-surgical care to more complex surgical procedures.

What is a Shoulder Dislocation?

A shoulder dislocation happens when the head of your humerus (the upper arm bone) separates from the glenoid, which is the shallow socket in your shoulder blade (scapula). Because the shoulder has such a wide range of motion, it is the most frequently dislocated major joint in the body.

This injury is typically painful and can temporarily immobilize your arm.

Types of Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder dislocations are classified based on the direction the humerus bone moves out of the socket. According to the National Institutes of Health, they account for half of dislocation injuries. Understanding the type of shoulder dislocation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Types include:

Anterior Dislocation: This is the most common type. According to the Mayo Clinic, it accounts for over 95% of cases. This occurs when the humerus moves forward and out of the socket.
Posterior Dislocation: Less common, this occurs when the humerus moves backward. It is often associated with seizures or electric shocks and can be missed during initial diagnosis.
Inferior Dislocation: A rare type where the humerus dislocates downward, usually resulting from significant trauma.
Subluxation: This is a partial dislocation, where the humerus comes partially out of the socket before returning to its place. It may present as a feeling of instability in the shoulder.

Causes and Risk Factors for Shoulder Dislocation

Several factors can lead to a shoulder dislocation, ranging from sudden accidents to underlying anatomical issues.

Traumatic Injuries

High-impact events are a primary cause of shoulder dislocations. A hard fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or a sports-related collision can force the bone out of its socket. Activities like football, hockey, and gymnastics carry a higher risk of these traumatic injuries.

Anatomical Factors

Some individuals are naturally more prone to dislocations due to their anatomy. Factors such as a shallow glenoid socket or unusually loose ligaments (ligamentous laxity) can make the shoulder joint less stable. Conditions like hypermobility syndromes also increase this risk.

A previous shoulder injury can further compromise the joint’s stability.

Repetitive Overuse

Engaging in repetitive overhead motions can gradually weaken the ligaments and muscles around the shoulder, leading to instability. Over time, this can increase the risk of a dislocation. Sports like swimming, tennis, and baseball involve these types of repetitive movements.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder

Recognizing the signs of a dislocated shoulder is key to seeking timely medical help. The symptoms usually appear immediately after the injury. The experience of a dislocated shoulder is often unmistakable due to the immediate and intense symptoms. You may experience:

Intense, sharp pain in the shoulder.
A visible deformity, such as a lump or bulge near the front of the shoulder.
Inability to move your arm.
Swelling and bruising around the joint.
Numbness or a tingling sensation down your arm and into your hand.
Muscle spasms in the shoulder, which can increase the pain.
Weakness in the arm and hand.
Severely limited range of motion.

Numbness and tingling can occur if the displaced humerus presses on nearby nerves. Muscle spasms are the body’s natural reaction to the injury, while weakness may result from nerve compression or muscle inhibition.

How Does a Doctor Diagnose and Test for Shoulder Instability?

A thorough physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a dislocated shoulder. Your doctor will visually inspect the shoulder for deformities, gently feel for tenderness, and assess your range of motion. They may also perform specific tests to check for instability and identify any associated injuries to nerves or blood vessels.

Imaging Studies

To get a clear picture of the injury, doctors rely on various imaging techniques. Each provides different insights into the condition of your bones and soft tissues.

X-rays: This is the standard first step to confirm the dislocation, show its direction, and check for any broken bones (fractures).
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI is used to get detailed images of the soft tissues. It can reveal damage to the labrum (cartilage), rotator cuff tendons, and ligaments.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan may be ordered to get a better look at bone defects or complex fractures that might not be clear on an X-ray.

What to Expect After a Shoulder Dislocation

Recovery from a shoulder dislocation is a gradual process that varies for each person.

Timeline for Recovery

Your recovery will depend on the severity of the injury and the treatment you received. Here is a general timeline:

Initial Phase (0-3 weeks): Your arm will be immobilized in a sling to allow healing. Pain is managed with medication. You may begin gentle range-of-motion exercises as prescribed.
Intermediate Phase (3-6 weeks): You will gradually increase your range of motion and begin light strengthening exercises to restore normal shoulder mechanics.
Advanced Phase (6-12 weeks): The focus shifts to progressive strengthening to improve stability. Athletes may begin sport-specific training.
Long-Term (3-6 months): You will continue strengthening and conditioning to prevent re-injury. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor your progress.

Treatment Options for Shoulder Dislocation

Treatment aims to return the humerus to the socket, manage pain, and restore function. The approach can be non-surgical or surgical, depending on your specific situation.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For most first-time dislocations, a non-surgical approach is the standard of care. This process typically starts with a closed reduction, where a doctor carefully manipulates the arm to guide the humerus back into the shoulder socket.

After the joint is back in place, treatment involves immobilization with a sling, followed by physical therapy to restore motion, strength, and stability.

Is Surgery Ever Necessary?

Surgery may be necessary if you experience recurrent dislocations or if the initial injury caused significant damage. It is often recommended for younger, active patients to prevent future dislocations. Common reasons for surgery include:

Recurrent shoulder instability.
Significant tears of the labrum or rotator cuff.
Bone defects on the humerus or in the glenoid socket.

Arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique, is frequently used to repair torn ligaments and the labrum. The ultimate goal of surgery is to restore the joint’s stability and allow you to return to your activities without fear of another dislocation.

Rehabilitation After Treatment

Regardless of whether you have surgery, rehabilitation is essential for a full recovery. A structured physical therapy program helps you regain function and prevent future problems. The focus is on restoring range of motion, building strength in the surrounding muscles, and improving proprioception (your sense of joint position). A full recovery can take several months of consistent effort.

Schedule an Appointment for Shoulder Dislocation in Carmel, IN

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or think you have a dislocated shoulder in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area, it’s important you seek treatment as soon as possible. Our team specializes in all types of shoulder injuries and treatments and is here to provide personalized care.

Call us today at (317) 705-4392 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation.