Why shoulder dislocation

Patients are expected to go back to usual activities after months. When the humeral head is dislocated out of the socket, it tends to tear apart the capsular structure surrounding the shoulder joint, and the position is usually over the anterior and inferior aspect of the glenoid. When the humeral head is being anteriorly dislocated, the posterior aspect of the ball will hit against the socket and create a dent into the humeral head.

With the advances of arthroscopic surgery, we will repair the avulsed lesion soft tissue Bankart Lesion back to the glenoid to achieve an anatomical repaired.

Normally with the aid of anchors inserted with the arthroscopic technique will be able to repair and reconstruct the labrum and capsule. After surgery, the patient needs to wear a shoulder immobiliser for the initial 2 weeks, then it can be taken off and start pendulum exercise.

However, the shoulder immobiliser should be used in the initial 6 weeks during outside home activities. After the initial 6 weeks, the patient should be encouraged for some passive mobilisation until it reaches a full range of movement. It should be expected that the full range of movement can be achieved in 4 to 6 months in the post-operative period. Then muscle strengthening is encouraged. If you suspect a dislocated shoulder, seek prompt medical attention. Most people regain full shoulder function within a few weeks.

However, once you've had a dislocated shoulder, your joint may become unstable and be prone to repeat dislocations. The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated joint of the body. Because it moves in several directions, your shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward. The most common variety is a forward anterior dislocation.

Shoulder dislocation may also cause numbness, weakness or tingling near the injury, such as in your neck or down your arm. The muscles in your shoulder may spasm from the disruption, often increasing the intensity of your pain. Because it moves in several directions, your shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward, completely or partially, though most dislocations occur through the front of the shoulder.

In addition, fibrous tissue that joins the bones of your shoulder can be stretched or torn, often complicating the dislocation. It takes a strong force, such as a sudden blow to your shoulder, to pull the bones out of place. Your provider may also ask you to get an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis. You may need surgery if you injure the tissues or nerves around the shoulder or if you get repeated dislocations. A dislocation can make your shoulder unstable.

When that happens, it takes less force to dislocate it. This means that there is a higher risk of it happening again. Your health care provider may ask you to continue doing some exercises to prevent another dislocation. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Dislocated Shoulder. Learn More Specifics. See, Play and Learn Videos and Tutorials. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles.

While you're sitting on the bed, the doctor will rotate your arm around the shoulder joint until it goes back in its socket. This may take a few minutes. You'll usually have another X-ray to check your shoulder is in the correct position once your shoulder joint is back in place. If these tissues have been damaged, you may need surgery to repair them.

This can significantly reduce the chance of dislocating the same shoulder again in the future for some people. Surgery to repair shoulder tissues is done under general anaesthetic. It's often done using keyhole surgery, where small cuts incisions and a thin tube with a light and camera at one end arthroscope are used. Sometimes it's necessary to have open surgery to move bones around in the shoulder to prevent further dislocations.

Surgery can sometimes be avoided by doing appropriate exercises to strengthen the shoulder if the tissues are overstretched but not torn. You can usually go home soon after your shoulder is put back in place, but you'll need to rest your arm in a sling for a few days while the pain settles. You may need to return to hospital for follow-up care, and may also be referred for physiotherapy to rehabilitate and strengthen your shoulder.

Some gentle arm and shoulder exercises may be recommended for you to do at home with your arm out of its sling. It's likely you'll feel some aching, discomfort or stretching when doing these exercises. However, if you experience intense pain for more than 30 minutes, do the exercise less forcefully and less often.

Your shoulder may be very painful during the first few days at home and you may need to take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.