17746 Dislocated Shoulder

Overview

A dislocated shoulder happens when the top of your arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket in your shoulder blade. This is a painful injury that makes your shoulder unstable and hard to move.

Yes, shoulder dislocations are fairly common. They are one of the most frequent joint injuries seen in emergency departments.

It affects people of all ages, but it is especially common in young adults, athletes, and older adults who fall.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the shoulder or upper arm
• The shoulder looks out of place or has a bump or dent
• Swelling and bruising
• Being unable to move your arm normally
• A feeling of looseness or instability in the joint

Symptoms in children

• Children may cry or hold their arm still against their body
• They may say their shoulder hurts or feels funny
• They may refuse to use the arm

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less obvious than in younger people
• Weakness or difficulty lifting the arm is common
• Bruising and swelling may take longer to appear

Causes

Main causes

• A fall onto your arm or shoulder
• A sudden twist or pull of the arm
• A hard hit to the shoulder, such as in sports or a car accident
• A forceful overhead arm movement, such as throwing a ball

Risk factors

• Playing contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey
• Having loose joints or a history of shoulder dislocations
• Being older and more likely to fall
• Participating in activities that involve overhead arm motions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Go to an urgent care center or emergency room the same day if you cannot move your shoulder normally.
• Seek care right away if your shoulder looks out of place or you have severe pain.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your primary care doctor if you have had a shoulder injury and the pain is not improving.
• Make an appointment if you have repeated shoulder dislocations or a feeling that your shoulder may slip out.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your injury and examine your shoulder. They will check for pain, swelling, and whether your arm has normal feeling and blood flow.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to see if the bone is out of place and to check for any fractures
• Sometimes an MRI scan if the doctor suspects damage to ligaments or other soft tissues

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may try to gently guide your shoulder back into place. This is called a reduction. You may get pain relief beforehand. After that, you will likely need a sling and a follow-up plan.

Treatment

Treatment starts with putting the shoulder back in place, followed by rest, pain relief, and gradual exercises to restore strength and motion. Most people do not need surgery.

Self-care at home

• Rest your shoulder and avoid moving it too much for the first few days
• Use a sling as directed by your doctor to keep the shoulder comfortable
• Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your doctor or pharmacist

Medical treatments

Medical care may include pain medication given by the doctor, a procedure to reposition the shoulder (joint reduction), and a sling or brace. Your doctor may also refer you to physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder and prevent future dislocations.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be recommended if you have repeated dislocations, if your shoulder does not stay in place after healing, or if there is significant ligament damage.

Living with this condition

During recovery, use your injured arm gently. Follow your physical therapy plan and do your exercises as guided. Avoid heavy lifting or overhead activities until your doctor says it is safe.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not rush back to sports or heavy work too soon
• Sleep on your back or on your unaffected side to avoid pressure
• Wear a sling or brace exactly as instructed
• Ask for help with daily tasks that require reaching or lifting

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with enough protein and calcium helps your bones and tissues heal. Once you are cleared, gentle exercise like walking and range-of-motion movement helps maintain overall fitness.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A shoulder injury can be frustrating, especially if it affects your work or hobbies. It is normal to feel worried or upset. Talk to your doctor or a counselor if you need support.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a dislocation, but you can reduce your risk by strengthening your shoulder muscles, using proper techniques in sports, and avoiding falls when possible.

Vaccines

No vaccine can prevent a dislocated shoulder.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for shoulder dislocation. If you have had one before, your doctor may suggest some checks to see if you have loose joints or weak muscles.

Complications

If left untreated

• The shoulder may go out again more easily
• Nerve or blood vessel damage can occur and may become permanent
• Long-term pain or stiffness in the shoulder
• A higher risk of arthritis in the shoulder later

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. With prompt treatment, rest, and rehabilitation, most people regain full use of their shoulder. Some people may have repeat dislocations, but this can often be managed with exercises or further treatment.

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