Dislocated Shoulder

As the human body’s most mobile joint, the shoulder is susceptible to dislocation, whereby the shoulder partially or completely moves out of its joint. When the shoulder dislocates, the outer rim of the glenoid, or labrum, is often injured too. The ligaments and capsule that normally hold the shoulder in place can also become damaged. There is even the possibility for labral tears as well. The now unstable joint will likely appear to be out of place and be potentially quite painful, bruised, swollen, tingling, and even weak. Because of all of this associated injury to the surrounding soft tissue, the shoulder can become prone to repeat dislocations in the future. 

If you believe you dislocated your shoulder, get immediate medical care. Do not “pop” it back into place on your own as this will likely further injure the shoulder joint. In the meantime, apply ice to the affected area and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) painkillers. Once the diagnostic testing reveals the degree of dislocation and the extent of soft tissue damage, your orthopedist will carefully manipulate the shoulder to realign the ball of the upper arm bone back into its ball-and-socket joint in a process known as a closed reduction. If further treatment is needed, your orthopedist will at that time determine the appropriate options to reduce your pain and discomfort.