Shoulder Dislocation – Explained By Orthopedist “Dr. Ratnav Ratan”

A dislocated shoulder is an injury that occurs when your humerus bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket in your shoulder blade. Because the shoulder is the body's most flexible joint, it is prone to dislocation.

If you think you may have a shoulder dislocation, see a doctor right away. The majority of people regain full shoulder function within a few weeks.

However, after a shoulder dislocation, your joint can become unstable and prone to dislocation in the future.

In this article, Dr. Ratnav Ratan, one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Gurgaon, will give everything you should know about shoulder dislocation treatment.

causes

The most commonly displaced joints in the body are the shoulder joint. Your shoulder can dislocate all or part of the front, back, or down as it moves in numerous directions, but most dislocations occur through the front of the shoulder.

Additionally, the connective tissue that connects the shoulder bones can become stressed or torn, making the dislocation worse. Ratnav Ratan who is also known in Gurgaon for treating rotator cuff tears and other orthopedic and pediatric orthopedic problems.

The bones must be torn from their position by a strong force, such as a direct blow on the shoulder. The ball of your humerus bone can burst out of the socket if you twist your shoulder joint too much.

It is also possible to have a partial dislocation, where your humerus bone is partly in and partly outside of your shoulder socket.

A dislocated shoulder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Sports-related injuries. Shoulder dislocation is a common injury in contact sports such as soccer and hockey, as well as in sports such as skiing, gymnastics, and volleyball.
• Traumas that have nothing to do with exercise. Severe impact on the shoulder during an autocollision is a common cause of shoulder dislocation.
• A fall, for example from a ladder or tripping over a loose carpet, can lead to a dislocation of the shoulder.

When should you see a doctor?

If your shoulder appears dislocated, see a doctor right away.

While waiting for medical help, do the following:

Do not make any changes to the joint. In the current position, splint or loop the shoulder joint. Do not try to manipulate the shoulder or force it into position. This can damage the shoulder joint as well as the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels that surround it.

The damaged joint should be frozen. By limiting internal bleeding and the build-up of fluid in and around your shoulder joint, using ice on your shoulder can help reduce discomfort and swelling.

Complications

Tearing of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that strengthen your shoulder joint are possible complications of a dislocated shoulder.

Damage to the nerves or blood vessels in or around the shoulder joint. Shoulder instability, which makes you more prone to re-injuries, especially if you've had a severe or multiple dislocation.

If ligaments or tendons in your shoulder are stretched or torn, or nerves or blood vessels in the area of ​​your shoulder joint are damaged, you may need surgery to restore that tissue.

prevention

To avoid a dislocated shoulder, take precautions to avoid falling. Wear protective equipment when doing contact sports.

Exercise regularly to keep your joints and muscles strong and flexible.

You may be more prone to subsequent shoulder dislocations once you have dislocated your shoulder joint.

Follow the exact strength and stability workouts that you and your doctor recommended for your injury to avoid recurrence.

treatment

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Treatment for a dislocated shoulder can include:

Closed reduction

To help your shoulder bones return to their correct position, your doctor may do some gentle manipulations. Before manipulating your shoulder bones, you may need a muscle relaxant, sedative, or, in rare cases, general anesthesia, depending on the severity of your pain and swelling. Severe pain should subside almost quickly once your shoulder bones have been replaced.

surgery

If, despite proper strengthening and rehabilitation, you have a weak shoulder joint or ligament and recurrent shoulder dislocations, surgery may be required. In rare cases, if your nerves or blood arteries are affected, you may need an operation.

Immobilization

For a few days to three weeks, your doctor may use a customized splint or sling to keep your shoulder from shifting. How long you wear the splint or sling depends on the type of shoulder dislocation you have and how quickly you put the splint on after the dislocation.

drug

To keep you comfortable while your shoulder heals, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever or muscle relaxant.

rehabilitation

You will begin a gradual rehabilitation program to restore mobility, strength, and stability to your shoulder joint when your shoulder brace or sling is removed.

Your shoulder joint will usually improve within a few weeks if you have a very simple shoulder dislocation without significant nerve or tissue damage, but you are at an increased risk of future dislocations.

If you resume activities too soon after a shoulder dislocation, you risk re-injuring or dislocating your shoulder joint.

About the author:

Arunava Deb: Master in Business Administration through education, health blogger by passion and profession. An enthusiast who works in health blogging. Have written over 700 health related articles on hair transplant, IVF, oral health, cancer, neurosurgery, acupuncture, plastic surgery, and other general health issues. You work closely with doctors and the health sector.