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Dislocated Shoulder - First Time -by Vic Goradia, M.D.

A dislocated shoulder can occur at any age. Complete shoulder dislocations – where the ball comes out of the socket in the shoulder joint – are often caused by trauma or a fall, and can be very painful. Possible signs of a dislocated shoulder include bruising, swelling, weakness, tingling or numbness.

A patient with a possible dislocated shoulder should go to the hospital immediately. The dislocated shoulder will most likely be X-rayed and then one of several possible techniques will be used to put the upper arm bone back into the shoulder socket.

The most important
long-term goal is to prevent
recurrent shoulder dislocation

Treatment for a Dislocated Shoulder has Changed Significantly

In the past, a dislocated shoulder meant four to six weeks in a shoulder sling, followed by a period of rehabilitation. However it is now well-accepted in sports medicine clinics to begin rehab without delay, as immobilization in a sling does not improve the patient’s outcome. Therefore, initial treatment now focuses on pain control and reduction of deep swelling and inflammation, followed by restoration of motion and re-establishing rotator cuff muscle function.

The most important long-term goal is to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocation. Typically, an individual who suffers a dislocated shoulder before age 25 has a much greater likelihood of a repeat dislocation, even during everyday activities. A shoulder that has been dislocated is called an unstable shoulder, and a patient with a dislocated shoulder tends to avoid certain activities to keep the injured shoulder in place. Depending on the patient’s job or favorite sport, this can be debilitating.

There are several options for repairing an unstable shoulder or dislocated shoulder, including open surgery and newer procedures such as arthroscopy. Repair by open surgery successfully returns patients to normal function and stability. However, this is a serious operation and full recovery can take more than six months.

Arthroscopic techniques allow surgeons to repair an unstable shoulder without a large incision

This is especially effective with young, active patients who have dislocated a shoulder for the first time. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, which eliminates an overnight hospital stay. Most patients return to their regular routines within a few weeks with minimal post-surgical pain and disability. In most cases, future dislocated shoulder incidents can be prevented 85 to 90 percent of the time with this procedure. However, it is an important factor for patients to consult with a shoulder specialist who is fellowship trained in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery.