What Does A Dislocated Shoulder Look Like?
A shoulder that suddenly looks out of place after a fall, collision, or awkward movement can be alarming. A dislocated shoulder often causes an obvious change in the shape of the joint along with severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm – but not all dislocations are easy to recognize, especially if the shoulder has partially slipped out of place or moved back into position on its own.
Dr. Kevin Kruse and his clinical team evaluate these injuries to determine whether a shoulder dislocation occurred and whether other stabilizing structures in the shoulder were damaged.
Key Takeaways
- A dislocated shoulder commonly causes sudden, severe pain, difficulty moving the arm, swelling, and a shoulder that appears visibly out of place.
- The upper arm bone can move partially or completely out of the shoulder socket. A partial dislocation is called a shoulder subluxation.
- A shoulder dislocation affects the main ball-and-socket joint, while a separated shoulder involves the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade.
- If you think your shoulder is dislocated, support the arm and seek medical attention rather than trying to force it back into place yourself.
- Recovery and the risk of another dislocation depend on factors including age, activity level, associated injuries, and whether the shoulder has dislocated before.
What Is A Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the humeral head (the ball at the top of the upper arm bone) is forced partially or completely out of the shoulder socket. Most shoulder dislocations occur toward the front of the joint; these are known as anterior dislocations. Less commonly, posterior dislocations or a very rare type of inferior dislocation called luxatio erecta can also occur. You can learn more about the 3 types of shoulder dislocation on our blog, featuring a video from Dr. Kruse.
A partial dislocation is called a shoulder subluxation. In a subluxation, the ball begins to slip out of the socket, but returns to its normal position spontaneously. That can make the injury harder to recognize after the fact, even though surrounding shoulder structures may still have been injured.
Signs & Symptoms Of A Dislocation
Now that you know what a shoulder dislocation is, let’s look at the signs that can help you recognize one.
Some patients notice an obvious deformity: The injured shoulder may look visibly out of place or misshapen compared with the opposite side. The pain is usually sudden and severe, and raising the arm may be extremely difficult or impossible. Swelling and muscle spasms can develop around the joint, and the shoulder may feel unstable or as though it is no longer sitting where it belongs.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness can sometimes occur in the arm as well. These symptoms are one reason a suspected dislocation should be evaluated promptly rather than treated as something to simply “wait out.”
As mentioned in the intro, not all shoulder dislocations are obvious; subluxations may cause pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling much like a complete dislocation, but the shoulder may not have the same obvious change in shape as it usually spontaneously reduces back into place.
Dislocated Shoulder Vs. Separated Shoulder: Key Differences
A dislocated shoulder and a separated shoulder sound similar, but they involve different joints.
A shoulder dislocation affects the glenohumeral joint (the main ball-and-socket joint where the humeral head meets the shoulder socket). A separated shoulder affects the acromioclavicular, or AC, joint at the top of the shoulder, where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade.
Both injuries can cause significant pain and visible changes around the shoulder, which means appearance alone isn’t always enough to tell whether you’re dealing with a dislocation or a separation. An evaluation can distinguish between the two and identify any additional damage caused by the injury.
Common Causes And Immediate First Aid
First-time shoulder dislocations are often traumatic. Common causes include:
- Falling onto an outstretched arm
- Direct impact or forceful contact, particularly during contact sports
- Forceful throwing or overhead movements
- Having the arm suddenly jerked downward
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Seizures
Regardless of the cause, the immediate priority is protecting the shoulder and getting appropriate medical care. A suspected dislocation should not be treated like routine soreness or a minor strain.
What To Do Immediately (And What Not To Do)
If you think you have dislocated your shoulder, stop the activity that caused the injury and support the affected arm in a comfortable position. Ice can be applied to help with pain and swelling while you arrange medical treatment.
Most importantly, do not try to force or “pop” the shoulder back into place yourself. Reduction of a dislocated shoulder may require pain medication or sedation and should be performed by a medical professional. It’s also best to avoid eating or drinking until you’ve been evaluated, since sedation may be needed to safely put the shoulder back into place.
Treatment usually begins with a reduction, which means a medical professional carefully guides the upper arm bone back into the shoulder socket. Afterward, the shoulder is evaluated for associated injuries and instability, and treatment may include imaging, temporary sling support, physical therapy, or additional treatment depending on the extent of the damage.
The Recovery Timeline And Preventing Re-Injury
Recovery after a shoulder dislocation varies from one patient to another. Age, activity level, associated injuries, and a history of previous dislocations can all affect how quickly the shoulder settles down and what treatment is needed next.
After a first-time dislocation, the shoulder will often remain very sore, but many patients can begin returning to normal daily activities within several days to a week or two, as symptoms allow. Recovery may include protected range of motion, rotator cuff and shoulder blade strengthening, and eventually functional or sport-specific training. A brace may also be used during contact sports when appropriate.
Preventing another dislocation is an important part of recovery. Some patients develop recurrent instability after the first injury, particularly if the structures that help stabilize the shoulder were damaged. Rebuilding strength and control – and identifying any underlying structural injury – can help guide a safer return to normal activities and sports.
FAQ
Can a dislocated shoulder pop back in on its own?
Yes. A shoulder can spontaneously return to its normal position, particularly with a partial dislocation or recurrent instability. That does not necessarily mean everything is fine. A dislocation can also damage structures such as the glenoid labrum or rotator cuff tendons, so continued pain, weakness, or instability is worth evaluating.
Will I need surgery for a dislocated shoulder?
Not necessarily. Whether an operation is appropriate depends on factors including how frequently and easily the shoulder dislocates, how much instability or apprehension you experience, your level of dysfunction, and whether there is bone loss involving the glenoid or humeral head.
What are the long-term complications?
Possible long-term problems include recurrent shoulder instability, labral injuries, bone loss, nerve injury, early glenohumeral arthritis, and ongoing apprehension during sports or overhead activities.
Want To Learn More About Identifying A Dislocated Shoulder?
If your shoulder has slipped out of place – or you suspect it may have popped back in before you were evaluated – getting the right diagnosis matters. Dr. Kevin Kruse and his clinical team can evaluate the stability of the shoulder, identify associated injuries, and develop a treatment plan based on your age, activity level, injury history, and goals.
Dealing with shoulder pain after a suspected dislocation or subluxation? For Dallas shoulder pain treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kruse and his team today.
