Shoulder Dislocation Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Shoulder Dislocation Overview The shoulder joint is covered by ligaments, a capsule, and a glenoid labrum (bumper of the cup part of the bone), which maintain joint stability. A shoulder joint is said to be dislocated when there is a complete separation of the articulating surface between two bones. Risk factors While most dislocations can be traumatic (due to injury), some people have generalised laxity, which makes them prone to dislocation.Anterior (ball part coming out in the front) dislocation is more common than posterior dislocation (ball part coming out from the back).Younger age (less than 20 years): The chances of shoulder dislocation decrease with aging. The rate of recurrence after the first episode of dislocation can be more than 90% before 20 years, 50%–60% between 20 and 40 years, and 10%–20% above 40 years of age. Diagnosis The clinical diagnosis of shoulder dislocation is done with the patient giving a history of arm abduction and performing external rotation and extension (ball throwing position). The orthopaedic surgeon can perform the following examinations to confirm diagnosis:Physical examination:The surgeon can appreciate the loss of normal shoulder contour and complete restriction of movements of the affected shoulder with excruciating pain in an acute (recent) shoulder dislocation.The chronic (old) or recurrent shoulder dislocation patient would demonstrate an apprehension when the arm is moved in abduction, external rotation, and extension (position in which the dislocation occurred).Fracture can be observed along with the dislocation. However, the possibility of neurological association is rare.Imaging studies:X-rays to assess the anterior or posterior dislocation pattern or the presence of a fracture around the shoulder girdle.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess soft tissue injuries like a Bankart lesion (tear of the glenoid labrum) or Hill Sach’s lesion (depression in the head part of the ball bone).Computed tomography (CT) for patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation to assess the condition of the glenoid (cup) bone, which can show loss of width, increasing the risk of shoulder dislocation. Treatment Non-surgical treatmentAcute shoulder dislocation is usually treated under an emergency procedure, and reduction is performed using various manoeuvres with or without sedation.After the reduction, the arm is immobilised using a sling or immobiliser for at least 3–4 weeks following which the patient undergoes a rehabilitation programme.Physical therapies (like icing) and anti-inflammatories are prescribed for pain management following the reduction manoeuvre.Patients may be referred to the pain management clinic for further management of chronic pain.Surgical treatmentThis is advised for patients with associated fractures or in whom closed reduction is not possible.