All About Shoulder Dislocation
A common occurrence on and off the sports field, shoulder dislocation is a painful, debilitating injury. When the humerus (arm bone) slips out of the glemohumural joint, it becomes separated from the scapula (or shoulder blade) – resulting in a dislocated shoulder. Although no bone is actually broken, the movement, severity and misplacement of all those things causes intense pain.
Of all the joints in the human body, the shoulder has the largest range of motion. It is also the most common joint to become dislocated. Even a partial shoulder dislocation, called a subluxation, is common.
When Does It Happen?
Often shoulder dislocations occur during sports. If there is tackling involved, such as in rugby or football, a wrong move or quick change of position against excessive force (like that extra large line backer) can result in a dislocation easily.
Most shoulder dislocations are designated as anterior or forward dislocations. These account for a vast majority of the injuries. There is a risk that the axillary artery will be damaged with this type of shoulder dislocation.
Some are classified as posterior or backward dislocations. Interestingly, patients can go up to a year before they truly notice there is a problem with their shoulder. Many seniors have posterior dislocation and carry on with their lives as usual without a clue to their condition.
Much rarer and potentially more dangerous, a dislocation can also be designated as inferior or downward. This injury can result in damage to the ligament and tendons in the area.
What Does a Shoulder Dislocation Look Like?
Although it can be obvious that a dislocation has occurred, other times you may be unsure. Severe pain that radiates down the arm is a distinct sign. Also a floppy or noticeably detached shoulder is present. A dislocation patient will not be able to move their arm well or even at all. Some can experience a numbing sensation down their arm.
There is still normal pulse, color and movement in the hand. Unless an artery or vein has been pinched, blocked or broken, your hand and wrist will work as per usual.
Treatment Options
See a doctor right away if you suspect any of the three types of shoulder dislocation. Apply ice for the pain, support the area with a sling or pillows and get to the emergency room.
There the medical staff will get the shoulder back into place using the reduction method. This involves manipulating the joints and bones from the outside of the skin, guiding and popping the humerus back into place. Some request to b sedated for this procedure, which may be a good idea, but you’ll have to wait for the anesthesiologist to come in before any pain is chased away.
Once the reduction is successful, the pain will dissipate quickly and only swelling and achiness will be left. Sometimes your arm will be put into a sling, either across your chest or hanging naturally down at your side. Not all doctors use slings though; when in doubt, ask.
If reduction methods don’t work, it’s possible that the injury needs surgery. Orthopedic specialists will be on hand to assist you and your doctor will not take this route unless absolutely essential. If the bone has been damaged (especially in an anterior injury that recurs frequently) a bone graft may be used to prevent the problem.
You will have longer recovery time from the surgery, entailing a solid sling or cast and possibly even physical therapy afterwards.
You may get a set of x-rays doe before beginning a reduction as well as a set afterwards. These will help the doctors to monitor the arm from this point forward.