What is a Shoulder Dislocation? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is a Shoulder Dislocation

All the joints in the body function differently, but they all fit into each other like a puzzle to enhance the motion of the joints. Similarly, the shoulder contains elements which move together in a coordinated motion to enhance the movement of the arms. The shoulder joint consists of a round ball at the top of your arm bone, which perfectly fits into the socket of your shoulder blade. When the shoulder components move out of the shoulder joint, it is known as a shoulder dislocation. In this blog, we will learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment options for a dislocated joint. 

What is the Shoulder Joint?

The shoulder joint has a complex ball-and-socket arrangement of bones. It consists of a ball named the humerus and a socket called the scapula, where the humerus rests and rotates and the clavicle, which connects the arm to the torso. The shoulder joint is heavily responsible for a wide range of motion called adduction, flexion, extension, and internal/external rotation. It helps in performing complex motions such as lifting, throwing, reaching, etc and maintaining stability across the joint. 

If you face any pain while performing such actions, then consult Dr Uday Meghnathi. He is an experienced professional providing the best shoulder pain treatment in Baroda. He provides healthcare services for fractures, sports injuries, pediatric orthopedics, joint replacement, etc. His facility is fully equipped with modern treatment tools, devices and comfortable infrastructure for patient-centric care. For more advice on the shoulder joint, book an appointment with us. Give a call.    

Types of Dislocated Shoulder

  • Complete Dislocation: A complete dislocation happens when the bones of the joint are completely moved out of their desired place or are entirely separated.  
  • Subluxation: This is the condition when something pulls out of the joint, but the bones still touch each other.

Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder

  • A visible deformation of the shoulder surface. 
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Intense pain
  • Weakness 
  • Swelling 
  • Muscle spams 
  • Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms.

Causes of Shoulder Dislocations

Anyone, especially a sports person, can experience a shoulder dislocation due to a fall, an accident, or a slip. If the complete body weight falls on the shoulder, then there is a high chance that a person can get their shoulder dislocated.

Treatment of Shoulder Dislocation

Steps towards effective treatment of a shoulder dislocation are, 

  • Imaging diagnosis with the help of X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, etc.  
  • A non-surgical process is performed, known as manipulation or closed reduction. Here, the shoulder is pushed and pulled physically to align the shoulder in its original place.
  • Wear a sling to give your arm proper rest and time to heal. 
  • Medication, rest, and physiotherapy are also some of the healing options. 

Conclusion

A shoulder dislocation is common amongst sportsmen and athletes. It occurs due to a forceful impact that pulls the joint out of its desired position. To get accurate and effective treatment, contact Dr Uday Meghnathi, a leading orthopedic doctors in Vadodara Karelibaug. He is an expert with rich experience in treating joints and related issues, and provides a wide range of services, including problems with the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, pediatric orthopedics, joint replacement, etc. He ensures all the patients are comfortable in his facility and are critically taken care of. For more information, please book an appointment. Give us a call. 

Also Read: Knee Ligament Injuries