Shoulder Dislocation
by Scott Kay on October 24, 2007
There are many joints in your body. Most joints bend along one axis, similar to a simple door hinge. But the shoulder is a ball and socket type joint, with the socket being very shallow. This shallow socket is what allows the shoulder such a vast range of motion, making it the most movable joint in the body.
The Good News and The Bad News
The shallow socket that affords you the most movement, is also the same shallow socket that gives you the least amount of stability. This lack of stability makes the shoulder joint the most prone to dislocation.
The 3 Bones that make up the shoulder
How They Fit Together
The upper part of the humerus is ball shaped and is known as the humeral head. This humeral head sits in a socket on the scapula. This socket is known as the glenoid. The humerus and the glenoid form the shoulder joint or glenohumeral joint. When the humeral head and glenoid loose contact with each other, this is considered a shoulder dislocation. This is not the same as a shoulder separation. They are completely different injuries.
How it Happens
The shoulder dislocates from a strong blow to the shoulder or a fall on an outstretched arm. This force stretches the ligaments and tendons, that hold the humerus in place, allowing the humerus to loose contact or dislocate from the glenoid.
What happens next?
A trip to the emergency room. Then X-Rays to verify damage and check for fractures. Then a local anesthetic or a light sedation is administered for the reduction to take place. A reduction is when the shoulder is manipulated and put back into its normal position. The physician will then normally recommend rest and then physical therapy and exercise after pain and swelling has subsided. There will be discomfort involved to regain the range of motion and strength of your shoulder.
Is Surgery Necessary?
Normally rest and physical therapy is all that is required. However, there may be a chance that surgery may be recommended. Surgery would normally be decided by one or more of the following factors:
- How many times your shoulder has been dislocated
- How much ligament damage has occured
- Lifestyle ( occupational requirements / competitive athletics )
- Age
About 95% of all shoulder dislocations are anterior, meaning the humerus is dislocated forward from the glenoid. About 90% of the people with these anterior dislocations will also suffer a bankart lesion. Regardless of damage done, people who experience a shoulder dislocation, are at a high risk for subsequent or repeat dislocations. Make sure the physician is aware of all past shoulder injuries and conditions, along with intended activities after recovery.
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