Dislocated Shoulder: What You Need to Know

1. DISLOCATED SHOULDER What You Need to Know

2. What Is a Dislocated Shoulder? A dislocated shoulder happens when the shoulder is out of socket, or comes out of the shallow ball joint in your upper arm.

3. How To Tell If Your Shoulder Is Dislocated Usually, a dislocated shoulder will be very painful and be accompanied by: • Inability to move your arm • Bulging in front of your shoulder • Popping when you move your shoulder • Shoulder appearing square instead of round • Bruising • Swelling • Numbness and/or weakness This injury can occur when your shoulder sustains a hard impact which can be caused by: • Falling on your arm or shoulder • Seizure • Traffic or other accident • Electric shock • Playing sports

4. Complications from a Dislocated Shoulder Because the shoulder area contains so many important structures, not treating a dislocated shoulder can cause several complications, including: • Injuries to the rotator cuff • High risk of recurrent dislocations • Fractures • Blood vessel, nerve, and soft tissue damage

5. What To Do If You Have a Dislocated Shoulder Never try to pop your shoulder back in yourself. Doing this can cause significant damage to the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. Instead, get medical attention immediately, and while you’re waiting: • Don’t move your upper arm at all, or as little as possible • Place your lower arm in a sling if you can get someone to make one for you • Support your arm by placing a pillow or folded blanket between it and your chest

6. Treatment for a Dislocated Shoulder Dislocated shoulder treatment typically begins with an X-ray to rule out broken bones to confirm dislocation. Further scans and specialist appointments may be ordered if a fracture is found. Closed Reduction If there is no damage or fracturing, a doctor may treat your dislocated shoulder with a process called closed reduction. This process can be done with or without anesthesia and pain medication. The doctor gently rotates your arm until it’s repositioned in your shoulder socket.

7. Surgery for a Dislocated Shoulder If any tendons, ligaments, or other tissues became torn, surgery may be needed. There are two types of surgery: Keyhole surgery - The surgeon makes small incisions in the shoulder, inserts an arthroscope (a tube with a light and camera), and repairs the tissue. Open surgery - The surgeon opens your entire shoulder to move the bones and prevent future dislocations.

8. Recovery Following closed reduction or surgery, you will have to: • Wear a sling for several days or weeks to stabilize your shoulder • Do gentle exercises recommended by your doctor to strengthen and reduce pain and stiffness • Avoid sports involving the shoulder and heavy lifting for 6 weeks to 3 months • Take time off work to recover In total, it will take 12 to 16 weeks for a dislocated shoulder to heal.

9. Why Choose Crystal Run Healthcare for Shoulder Surgery? Crystal Run Healthcare’s highly skilled physicians specialize in leading-edge shoulder injury diagnosis and treatment in New York, including total shoulder replacement and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Contact us for more information today at 845-703-6999.