Dislocated Shoulder

Geisinger Sports Medicine - Get Back in the Game

• Mechanism of Injury
• Treatment
• Surgical Management
• Rehabilitation

Mechanism of Injury
A shoulder joint functions as a “ball and socket” joint, meaning the ball of the humerus bone (the arm bone) rests in the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade).  A dislocated shoulder results when the arm bone detaches from the actual shoulder blade.  Shoulder dislocations often occur as a result of a hard impact fall, tackle, or hip check.  In an anterior dislocation, the ball of the humerus will be pushed in front of the shoulder blade.  With a posterior dislocation, the ball of the humerus will be pushed behind the shoulder blade, although this type is extremely rare.

 Athletes with a dislocated shoulder may experience:

• Pain
• Tightening of shoulder muscles
• Spasms in shoulder muscles
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Bruising  

Treatment
Shoulder dislocation:  The ball of the humerus is forced back into the joint socket in a process called reduction.  An arm sling helps to keep the shoulder immobilized encourage strengthening of the rotator cuff and is usually recommended for a few weeks. 

Ice and pain medication may be used to control pain and swelling during the initial period following the injury.  Rehabilitation is then used to restore the shoulder’s full range of motion. 

Unfortunately, once you’ve experienced a shoulder dislocation, you are at an increased risk for recurring dislocation.  Some patients may choose surgery as treatment to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Surgical Management
Shoulder dislocation:  The purpose of surgery following a dislocation is to repair damaged ligaments and strengthen the shoulder to reduce future probability of another dislocation.  Surgery may be done to correct a “Bankhart lesion”, where ligament tissue and the shoulder capsule are detached from the bone, and tighten stretched or torn ligaments.  Surgery may be performed using open surgery, or arthroscopically using a small camera to view, evaluate, and repair ligament damage. 

Physical therapy following surgery is an important component of success and recovery. 

Rehabilitation
Shoulder dislocation:  a physical therapist will lead you through exercises designed to help you regain full use of your shoulder and eliminate pain or soreness. 

Although each athlete will experience a unique time table, the general rule is six to eight weeks to achieve normal movement, and 3 months for fully strengthened rotator cuff muscles. 

At Geisinger Sports Medicine, we help athletes with dislocated shoulders recover with the best techniques modern medicine has to offer.  If you or your child sustains a shoulder injury, contact us today for an appointment at our state-of-the-art facility. 

• Injuries Treated
  1. ACL Reconstruction
  2. Ankle Sprains
  3. Dislocated Shoulder
  4. Frozen Shoulder
  5. Patella/Patella and Femoral
  6. Injuries
  7. Rotator Cuff Disorder
  8. Stress Fractures
  9. Primary Care Sports Medicine
  10. Meniscus
  11. Throwing Injuries
  12. Concussions
• Injury Programs
• Community Programs

Questions

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Geisinger Sports Medicine Facility
1-866-414-4988
Orthopaedic Services-Woodbine Lane
Corner of Woodbine Lane & Route 11
Danville, PA 17822 MC 52-12

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
1-800-921-1467
1000 East Mountain Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Geisinger Medical Center
1-800-275-6401
100 N. Academy Avenue
Danville, PA 17822