Shoulder Dislocations

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the humeral head is forced out of the glenoid socket. The shoulder is the most commonly dislocated major joint in the body, accounting for nearly half of all joint dislocations. In athletes, shoulder dislocations most often occur from contact, falls, or forced arm positions during sport.

Types and Associated Injuries

Anterior dislocations (95% of cases) occur when the arm is forced into abduction and external rotation. They typically tear the anterior labrum (Bankart lesion) and may create a Hill-Sachs impaction fracture on the humeral head.

Posterior dislocations are less common and are associated with seizures, electric shock, or direct posterior blows. Associated injuries include axillary nerve neuropraxia, rotator cuff tears (especially in older patients), and vascular injury in high-energy dislocations.

Treatment

Acute dislocations are reduced promptly (closed reduction) under sedation or regional anesthesia. After reduction, a period of immobilization is followed by rehabilitation.

The recurrence rate after first-time dislocation is high in young athletes. For athletes wishing to return to contact sports, early surgical stabilization (arthroscopic Bankart repair) significantly reduces recurrence. Significant bone loss requires the Latarjet procedure.

Common Symptoms

Sudden severe shoulder pain after injury
Visible deformity — shoulder looks squared off
Inability to move the arm
Numbness over the lateral deltoid (axillary nerve)
Muscle spasm around the shoulder
Recurrent episodes of the shoulder going out

Treatment Options

Closed reduction under sedation
Immobilization after reduction
Rehabilitation and rotator cuff strengthening
Arthroscopic Bankart repair
Latarjet procedure for bone loss
Remplissage for engaging Hill-Sachs lesions

Ready to Get Help?

Dr. Kinchelow specializes in treating shoulder dislocations. Schedule a consultation today.

Request Appointment (954) 635-5300