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Shoulder Dislocation

A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball of the shoulder joint slips out of its socket. Because the shoulder is highly mobile, it’s especially prone to dislocations from falls, trauma, or sports injuries. Dislocations can be partial (subluxation) or complete.

    • Severe pain in the shoulder, especially immediately after the dislocation

    • Visible deformity, with the shoulder appearing “out of place”

    • Swelling and bruising around the shoulder

    • Difficulty or inability to move the shoulder

    • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand due to nerve compression

  • Dr. Romanelli will perform a physical examination to assess the severity of the injury and check for signs of nerve or blood vessel damage. X-rays are usually taken to confirm the dislocation, evaluate the alignment of the joint, and rule out fractures. In some cases, an MRI may be recommended to assess any damage to the surrounding soft tissues, such as ligaments or the labrum.

  • Treatment for shoulder dislocations focuses on repositioning the joint, relieving pain, and restoring function to the shoulder. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may include non-surgical or surgical options.

    • Closed Reduction: In most cases, the shoulder can be gently manipulated back into its proper position (closed reduction) by a healthcare provider. Once the joint is repositioned, the pain usually subsides quickly.

    • Immobilization: After the shoulder is realigned, a sling or brace may be used to immobilize the joint and allow the ligaments and soft tissues to heal.

    • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as NSAIDs, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

    • Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy is essential for restoring shoulder strength and stability, and preventing future dislocations.

  • In cases where the shoulder dislocates repeatedly (chronic instability), surgery may be recommended to repair torn ligaments, tendons, or the labrum. Surgical options include:

    • Bankart Repair: This procedure involves repairing the labrum, which may be torn after a dislocation, to restore stability to the shoulder joint.

    • Capsular Shift: For patients with naturally loose shoulder ligaments, this procedure tightens the joint capsule to prevent future dislocations.

    • Latarjet Procedure: For patients with severe bone loss or recurrent dislocations, this procedure transfers a piece of bone to the front of the shoulder socket to provide additional stability.

  • Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process following a shoulder dislocation. Therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the shoulder joint, and improving stability. Dr. Romanelli works closely with physical therapists to create a personalized rehabilitation plan to help patients regain full function and prevent future dislocations.

Discover the experience of Dr. Romanelli's expert, personalized surgical care. Contact us today to start your recovery.

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