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Conditions

Orthopaedics · Bones, joints and movement

Dislocated shoulder

Recognise a shoulder dislocation, understand urgent treatment and reduce recurrence risk.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket.

Possible symptoms

Severe pain, visible deformity, swelling, bruising and inability or major difficulty moving the arm are common.

Causes and associated factors

A fall, sports impact or forced movement can dislocate the shoulder and may also injure bone, tendons, nerves or vessels.

Diagnosis

Examination checks shoulder shape, skin, sensation, circulation and associated injuries.

Tests

An X-ray confirms the dislocation and checks for fracture; further imaging may confirm reduction or assess soft tissues.

Course of the condition

Recovery often takes several weeks, and the risk of another dislocation rises after the first episode.

Care options

A clinician returns the joint to position with pain relief or sedation, followed by a sling and rehabilitation; recurrent instability may require surgery.

When to consult

Any suspected dislocation needs prompt hospital assessment and should never be pushed back by the patient.

Urgent help

A deformed, immobile shoulder after injury is an emergency; call emergency services if the hand becomes cold, pale, blue or numb.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which structure explains my symptoms?
  • Which tests are genuinely useful?
  • Which non-surgical options can we try?
  • When would an operation be appropriate?
  • Which signs require urgent assessment?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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