Dislocated Shoulder
You get a dislocated shoulder when the bone in the upper arm falls out of your shoulder socket. Shoulder dislocation can be of several different types. They are primarily identified on the basis of the direction in which the bone dislocates and the extent of the injury.
All dislocated shoulders result in massive pain and swelling. They need to get immediate treatment. Generally, dislocated shoulders are treated by putting the upper arm bone into the shoulder socket and performing rehabilitation exercises for restoring strength and flexibility in the joint.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Types of Shoulder Dislocations
Shoulder joint is often referred to as the most complex and largest joints in the human body. It can turn in almost any direction. However, the complexity of the joint also puts it at a higher risk of dislocation.
The two primary types of dislocations are partial dislocation and complete dislocation. Partial dislocation or subluxation happens when the head of the bone in the upper arm comes partially out of the shoulder socket. In complete dislocation, the upper arm bone is dislocated completely. Complete and partial dislocations can both cause unsteadiness and pain in the shoulder.
Shoulder joints can dislocate downward, forward, and backward. Forward version is the most common shoulder dislocation type. It is also referred to as anterior instability. It results in the bone of the upper arm moving forward and out of the shoulder socket.
Typically, dislocated shoulder injuries are treated in a non-surgical fashion. The physician will start by placing the upper arm bone back in the shoulder socket. They will take you through rehabilitation exercises next for restoring flexibility and strength in your shoulder. Your physician may look towards surgery for fixing damage if you have frequent or recurring shoulder dislocations.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
The orthopedic surgeon will place the upper arm bone ball manually in the joint socket. This resetting of the shoulder joint is also called closed reduction. Generally, any severe pain that you may have felt before the closed reduction would stop immediately.
Your physician may use a sling to immobilize your shoulder after repositioning the shoulder joint for several weeks. Afterwards, they may ask you to ice the shoulder 3 to 4 times each week for reducing inflammation. The physician will prescribe exercises for strengthening the shoulder and regaining flexibility once the swelling and pain have reduced.
Rehabilitation goes a long way in preventing shoulder dislocations in the future. Rehabilitation exercises begin with gentle muscle toning, followed by weight training to improve the healing process.
Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
Surgery is required when shoulder dislocation becomes a recurring problem. Generally, it is undertaken when there is bone damage. Surgery repairs or tightens ligaments holding the joint in place.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
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Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada