What is shoulder dislocation?

The main part of the shoulder is the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket with a very shallow socket. The joint is located at the top of your arm where the humerus connects to the scapula (wing bone). A shoulder dislocation represents the disconnection of your humerus and scapula. Shoulder dislocations most commonly occur as the result of a fall with a twisting injury.

What are the symptoms?

Severe pain, inability to move shoulder, and most commonly swelling in the front of the shoulder where the shoulder dislocates.

What is the treatment?

Immobilization, ice, and protection until it can be relocated by a qualified person. This is followed by PT for strengthening of the muscles that hold the shoulder joint in place. In some cases, repeated dislocations can occur with little to no trauma (force). This requires surgical treatment to stabilize the joint.