In over 95% of shoulder dislocations, the humerus is displaced anteriorly. X-ray at right shows the same shoulder after reduction and internal rotation, revealing a Bankart lesion and a Hill-Sachs lesion. X-ray at left shows anterior dislocation in a young man. There are three main types of dislocations: anterior, posterior, and inferior. In regards to recurrent dislocations, the apprehension test (anterior instability) and sulcus sign (inferior instability) are useful methods for determining predisposition to future dislocation. After repeated shoulder dislocations, an MRI scan may be used to assess soft tissue damage. After reduction, radiographs are usually repeated to confirm successful reduction and to detect bone damage.

Posterior dislocations may be hard to detect on standard AP radiographs, but are more readily detected on other views. Most dislocations are apparent on radiographs showing incongruence of the glenohumeral joint. Radiographs are made to confirm the diagnosis. No palpable bone on the side of the shoulder.Ī diagnosis of shoulder dislocation is often suspected based on the person's history and physical examination.

Some dislocations result in the shoulder appearing unusually square. Shoulder and arm held in external rotation (anterior dislocation), or adduction and internal rotation (posterior dislocation).Sensation that the shoulder is slipping out of the joint during abduction and external rotation.Significant pain, sometimes felt along the arm past the shoulder.Most shoulder dislocations occur as a result of sports injuries. Males are affected more often than females. They make up about half of major joint dislocations seen in emergency departments. In the United States this is about 24 per 100,000 people per year. Ībout 1.7% of people have a shoulder dislocation within their lifetime. It has been shown that patients who do not receive surgery after a shoulder dislocation do not experience recurrent dislocations within two years of the initial injury. There is moderate quality evidence that patients who receive physical therapy after an acute shoulder dislocation will not experience recurrent dislocations. Not all patients require surgery following a shoulder dislocation. Surgery may be recommended in those with recurrent dislocations. The arm may then be placed in a sling for a few weeks. After reduction X-rays are recommended for verification. These include traction-countertraction, external rotation, scapular manipulation, and the Stimson technique. Treatment is by shoulder reduction which may be accomplished by a number of techniques. They are classified as anterior, posterior, inferior, and superior with most being anterior. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and confirmed by X-rays. Ī shoulder dislocation often occurs as a result of a fall onto an outstretched arm or onto the shoulder. Complications may include a Bankart lesion, Hill-Sachs lesion, rotator cuff tear, or injury to the axillary nerve. Symptoms include shoulder pain and instability. Anterior shoulder dislocation while carrying a frail elderĪ dislocated shoulder is a condition in which the head of the humerus is detached from the shoulder joint.

Abduction of shoulder