Dislocation of the Shoulder

A shoulder dislocation is a condition in which the humerus (upper arm bone) comes out of its socket in the shoulder blade (scapula). It is a common injury that can occur during sports, falls, or other accidents.

[Image of Shoulder dislocation medical illustration]

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. It is made up of the humerus, the scapula, and the acromion (the part of the scapula that sticks out at the top of the shoulder). The joint is held in place by ligaments.

In a shoulder dislocation, the ligaments that hold the humerus in place tear or stretch. This allows the humerus to come out of its socket.

The most common type of shoulder dislocation is anterior dislocation, which means that the humerus comes out in front of the scapula. Posterior dislocation, which is when the humerus comes out behind the scapula, is less common.

The symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include:

Sudden, severe pain in the shoulder
Deformity of the shoulder
Unable to move the shoulder
Bruising around the shoulder

The diagnosis of a shoulder dislocation is made by a doctor based on your medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI.

The treatment for a shoulder dislocation is usually immediate reduction, which is the process of putting the humerus back in its socket. This can be done by a doctor or other healthcare professional.

After the humerus is reduced, the shoulder may be immobilized in a sling or brace for several weeks. Physical therapy may also be needed to help restore range of motion and strength in the shoulder.

Most people make a full recovery from a shoulder dislocation with time and treatment. However, there is a risk of recurrence.

If you have any pain or deformity in your shoulder, we encourage you to make an appointment to see Dr Sara Safari at Warrandyte Road Clinic to get a diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Sara Safari – Sports and Musculoskeletal Doctor

Dr Sara Safari is an experienced sports and musculoskeletal doctor with extensive experience in helping athletes and active individuals of all ages and levels get back to the activities they love.

She has previously held roles as a sports doctor with the AFL Academy, the Sydney Swans, Melbourne City FC and Eastern Ranges Football Club. She also consults as a sports and musculoskeletal physician at Knox Orthopaedic Group and assists in orthopaedic surgeries on a regular basis at various hospitals around Melbourne.