Dislocation of the Shoulder

When the shoulder is dislocated, the head of the upper arm bone or humerus pops out of the shoulder socket. This can result from a fall on an outstretched hand, a blow to the shoulder, or extreme rotation of the arm. A dislocation is very painful, and the shoulder itself appears out of position. The condition is sometimes accompanied by a fracture, typically of the humerus.

Treatment of the dislocation includes manipulating the upper arm bone back into the socket and immobilization of the shoulder with a sling or shoulder immobilizer, followed by rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the injury to muscles and other structures of the shoulder, surgery may be necessary, followed by rehabilitation.

For more information about dislocation of the shoulder, please call (918) 494-AOOK (2665).