Suffering a dislocated shoulder is a common sporting injury. This is the body's most mobile joint, able to turn in many directions. While this is wonderful in terms of function, it also means that it is easy to suffer a dislocated shoulder.
There are two types of dislocated shoulder:
A partial dislocation - subluxation. This is where the head of the upper arm (the humerus) is partially out of the socket.
A complete dislocation: The humerus is all the way out of the socket.
In addition, this joint can dislocate forward, backward, or downward. Probably the most common is when the shoulder slips forward (anterior instability), moinv the humerus forward and down out of joint.
The symptoms of both particle and complete shoulder dislocation include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Bruising
Diagnosis is by examination and x-ray, and the doctor will want to know how the injury occurred, and if this is the first time it has happened.
The doctor will manipulate the humerus back into the socket - this process is called closed reduction, and should immediately stop the severe pain.
After a period of immobilization, rehab will be required to strengthen the area. This is crucial as this is an injury that can re-occur. However, strengthening the area properly will dramatically reduce the chances of further injury.
