What is a dislocated shoulder?
If the shoulder is dislocated, it is medically referred to as a shoulder dislocation. A distinction is made between different forms and causes of a dislocated shoulder. The therapeutic options are also broad. However, a shoulder dislocation can also lead to some complications.
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder
If the shoulder is dislocated, pain occurs in the joint area. This sometimes occurs at rest, sometimes only when the shoulder is moved. In addition, the shape of the shoulder is altered, the head of humerus can be palpated outside the socket.
The glenoid cavity is empty. A shoulder dislocation is extremely painful. The underlying accident event alone can cause severe pain in the area of the shoulder joint, in addition swelling and bruising can occur due to injury to the capsule, muscle or tendons. If nerves and vessels are injured or pinched, the pain can also radiate into the hand or cause unpleasant sensations such as tingling or burning. If the pain is severe, painkillers should be taken, usually the doctor also prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs such as Diclofenac.
How often does a dislocated shoulder occur?
About 0.4% of the population dislocates their shoulder every year, making it the most common form of dislocation.
Causes for a dislocated shoulder
There are various mechanisms that lead to dislocation of the shoulder. These include: Traumatic dislocation: Here, the joint head is levered out of its socket. This is caused, for example, by falling onto the arm that is stretched backwards.
Habitual dislocation: Here, the shoulder is dislocated without the use of force. This can be caused by muscle/ligament weakness, but also joint malpositions lead to dislocation without trauma. Recurrent dislocation: After a single trauma-related dislocation, the shoulder is repeatedly dislocated.
The initial event has led to changes that result in reduced stability in the shoulder joint. These include the Bankart lesion (see below), joint capsule dilatation and damaged ligaments.
- Traumatic dislocation: Here the joint head is levered out of its socket.
This is caused, for example, by falling onto the arm that is stretched backwards.
- Habitual dislocation: Here, the shoulder is dislocated without the use of force. This can be caused by muscle/ligament weakness, but also joint malpositions lead to dislocation without trauma.
- Recurrent dislocation: After a single traumatic dislocation, the shoulder is repeatedly dislocated. The initial event has led to changes that result in reduced stability in the shoulder joint. These include the Bankart lesion (see below), joint capsule dilatation and damaged ligaments.
