Shoulder Dislocation
What is it?
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The ball and socket joint of the shoulder is made up of the upper arm bone (Humerus) and the socket (Glenoid).
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This joint is supported by many ligaments as well as surrounding muscles and soft tissue.
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These injuries can occur after a trauma (rugby tackle or car accident) or sometimes even without trauma (reaching up or turning over in bed).
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The most common direction of dislocation is forwards (anterior) but can also be backwards (posterior) or downward (inferior).
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The joint might relocate on its own or it may require assistance.
Typical Symptoms/features:
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After trauma: there may be a visible deformity, pain, swelling, bruising.
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Without trauma: general ache to the shoulder. These are more likely to relocate on their own. People with hypermobility are more prone to these types of injuries.
Management:
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Many of the traumatic shoulder dislocations will need to be relocated in A +E.
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Activity modification
- After the dislocation, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle.
- However, there is strong evidence that says keeping active and slowly returning to your normal levels of activity can actually help the pain to settle quicker.
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Ice or heat.
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Pain relief.
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Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme.
Do I need imaging?
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After a trauma: likely will require X-ray to rule out any bony involvement.
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Without trauma: This does not typically require further investigations.
