A shoulder dislocation is a condition where the upper arm bone is separated from the shoulder socket. This affects the glenohumeral shoulder joint that is formed by the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the glenoid socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). This ball-and-socket arrangement provides a wide range of joint motion; however, the surrounding ligaments and soft tissues do not provide adequate stability which often results in easy separation of the humeral head from the glenoid socket. Athletes are more susceptible to experiencing a shoulder dislocation, especially those participating in aggressive contact sports such as football and hockey. However, a traumatic event such as a motor vehicle collision can cause a shoulder dislocation in non-athletic individuals. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic shoulder specialist serving Orlando, West Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with a dislocated shoulder.
Shoulder instability is caused by weakened shoulder ligaments that no longer provide the necessary stability to keep the humeral head within the glenoid socket. The separation of these bones can cause the surrounding ligaments to tear leading to decreased shoulder stability. If left untreated, these shoulder ligaments often lead to recurrent shoulder dislocations. Athletes involved in sports that require repetitive overhead motions, such as volleyball, tennis, and swimming, have the highest likelihood of developing shoulder instability.
The most common complaint reported among individuals with a shoulder dislocation is a sharp pain in the shoulder that develops immediately after a traumatic injury. Occasionally, a visual deformity of the shoulder may be obvious in severe shoulder dislocations. Some other common symptoms of a shoulder dislocation, or shoulder instability, include:
A comprehensive medical history is first gathered by Dr. McCormick which includes the precipitating injury, any prior shoulder injuries, any underlying health conditions, and current symptoms. Following this interview, a thorough physical examination will be performed to differentiate between an acute shoulder dislocation or shoulder instability. Diagnostic imaging studies may be requested based on the severity of the injury. X-rays identify bone-related damage, such as a fracture, that resulted from the initial injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can pinpoint any damage to the surrounding shoulder joint ligaments.
If a shoulder dislocation is suspected, it is important to seek prompt medical attention from an orthopedic shoulder specialist or medical professional to reset the shoulder joint.
The primary concern after confirming a shoulder dislocation is resetting the shoulder joint. Joint reduction should only be performed by a professional that is highly trained in the manual manipulation of the humeral head back into the glenoid socket. If performed correctly, the shoulder pain should significantly decrease.
Patients that had a successful shoulder joint reduction find conservative treatment measures are beneficial in alleviating symptoms. These conservative therapies can include any combination of shoulder joint immobilization, rest, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint, and physical therapy.
However, surgical intervention may be required for patients that did not respond well to conservative therapies, an unsuccessful shoulder joint reduction, or patients with severe or chronic shoulder instability. These are often repaired through a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure involving a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments. Arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder joint is an effective surgical technique for correcting shoulder instability while also reducing the recovery time for patients to return to their normal daily activities.
For more information on shoulder labrum and SLAP tear repairs, or to discuss your shoulder labrum treatment options, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic shoulder doctor serving Orlando, Kissimmee, Palm Beach County, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
