Shoulder Dislocation: How It Happens and What To Do if You Suspect It

The shoulder has more mobility than any other joint in the body. However, that versatility comes at a cost: your shoulders are the least stable joints in the body, more dependent on muscles than any other joints. 

Instability means that shoulder dislocations are the most common form of joint displacement. Technically a ball-and-socket joint, the shoulder’s socket is shallow, relying on the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons, to hold the shoulder together. 

At 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, we’re ready to help any time that shoulder pain starts to interfere with your everyday life. Let’s look at how dislocations occur and what you should do if you suspect a dislocation injury. 

How shoulder dislocations happen

It’s easy for the bones of the shoulder to be displaced from their normal positions when compared with other ball-and-socket joints like the hip. Because the shoulder is so reliant on soft tissue for stability, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons may also suffer damage during a dislocation. 

A shoulder dislocation results from a force that’s strong enough to disrupt the joint’s normal alignment. Sports injuries are common, particularly in contact sports like football and hockey. Auto accidents and falls are other common causes of dislocations. 

Shoulder dislocation first-aid

A dislocated shoulder can be very painful, and prompt medical attention is essential to prevent further complications. 

The most critical response to your injury is not attempting to relocate the shoulder yourself, since you risk damaging additional tissue. The sooner you get qualified treatment, the better chance you have of sidestepping blood vessel or nerve damage. 

Until you can reach an emergency room, urgent care center, primary care physician, or the nearest of our offices, immobilize the shoulder against your body using a sling or another improvised bandage. This prevents further shoulder damage and minimizes your pain. 

Ice packs applied for 15 minutes every hour treat swelling and relieve pain. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid direct skin contact. 

Watch for signs of shock. Injuries with extreme pain often cause this side effect. Symptoms include: 

• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Pale, clammy skin
• Blue color in fingernails and/or lips
• Agitated or confused mental state
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Weakness

Shock accompanying a shoulder dislocation should be treated as a medical emergency. Under no circumstances should the patient try to drive themselves to the hospital. 

Avoid these mistakes

Don’t take over-the-counter pain medication until advised to do so by a medical professional. Similarly, don’t use heat on the shoulder immediately after the injury. This can increase swelling in the shoulder, complicating medical care. 

A shoulder dislocation can require a lengthy recovery period. Contact 360 Orthopedics for care throughout treatment and recovery. We can help by monitoring your recovery and arranging the therapies you need to support the best prognosis. 

Call or click to schedule a consultation with our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible after your shoulder dislocation event.