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A dislocated shoulder happens when the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder joint pops out of its socket (glenoid). This ball-and-socket joint is one of the most flexible in the human body, but it is also more prone to damage. A rapid hit, twist, or fall can create this dislocation, leading to severe discomfort and restricted mobility.
It is a rather frequent injury, particularly among sports and accident sufferers and those with loose ligaments. According to orthopaedic research, about 90% of shoulder dislocations happen in the forward (anterior) direction.
Synopsis
- Shoulder Dislocation Causes and Risk Factors
- Typical Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder
- How to Treat a Dislocated Shoulder: Medical Care and First Aid
- Treatment Options for Shoulder Dislocation
- Knowing About Repeated Shoulder Dislocations
- When Is Shoulder Dislocation Surgery Necessary?
- How long does it take to recover from a dislocated shoulder?
- How Advanced Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Is Assisted by Manipal Hospitals in Baner
- Conclusion
Shoulder Dislocation Causes and Risk Factors
There are many kinds of shoulder dislocations:
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The most frequent kind, anterior dislocation, is brought on by sports injuries or falls.
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Less frequent, posterior dislocation is frequently brought on by electric shocks or convulsions.
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Rare, inferior dislocation usually results from excessive force.
- Multidirectional dislocation: As a result of hypermobility or joint laxity.
Dislocations may be non-traumatic (caused by weak ligaments or repetitive strain) or traumatic (caused by sports injuries, falls, etc.).
High-risk variables consist of:
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Under 20 years old.
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Sports involving contact or overhead (such as cricket and rugby)
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Prior displacements.
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Loss of genetic ligaments.
Typical Signs of a Dislocated Shoulder
Early detection of dislocated shoulder symptoms is essential. Among the distinguishing indicators are.
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An abrupt, severe shoulder discomfort.
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A shoulder joint that is misaligned.
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Bruising and swelling in the vicinity.
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Unable to move the arm.
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tingling or numbness (if nerves are impacted)
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The harm can escalate if these symptoms are ignored or if you try to "push it back" without seeking medical assistance.
How to Treat a Dislocated Shoulder: Medical Care and First Aid
A lot of individuals are curious about how to immediately treat a dislocated shoulder. Nevertheless, doing this at home is not advised. It's a medical emergency that has to be treated right now.
Avoid:
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Try moving the shoulder without a doctor's supervision.
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Use a lot of power or pressure.
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Postpone visiting a physician.
What to do in its place:
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Use a sling to immobilise the arm.
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To lessen swelling, use ice.
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Go right away to the closest emergency care facility.
Prompt orthopaedic evaluation, imaging, and closed reduction (realignment) are performed with the highest care at Manipal Hospital Baner.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Dislocation
Doctors typically start treating shoulder dislocations with conservative treatments, particularly when it's the first time.
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In a closed reduction, the shoulder is carefully moved back into place.
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Use of a brace or sling for two to four weeks to immobilise.
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Strength and range of motion are restored with physiotherapy.
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Surgery could be required, though, if the shoulder keeps dislocating.
Knowing About Repeated Shoulder Dislocations
When the shoulder continually comes out of its socket, it is called a recurrent dislocation. This usually occurs because of:
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Inadequate recovery from prior injuries.
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Soft tissue or bone structural damage.
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Untreated laxity of the ligaments.
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Early resumed participation in sports or overhead.
Patients under 20 are more likely to get recurrences, which frequently require surgical treatment.
When Is Shoulder Dislocation Surgery Necessary?
Shoulder dislocation surgery is advised if instability continues. The damage shown on CT, MRI, and X-ray studies determines the surgical option.
Typical practices consist of:
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Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: This procedure reattaches the damaged labrum using suture anchors.
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Rebuilding a broken glenoid (socket) using bone block surgery is known as the Latarjet Procedure.
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The Remplissage procedure uses the rotator cuff tendon to fill the Hill-Sachs lesion, a deformity in the humeral head.
In the management of recurrent instability, these minimally invasive methods are currently regarded as the gold standard. With skilled professionals and state-of-the-art OT facilities, Manipal Hospital Baner provides state-of-the-art shoulder arthroscopy.
How long does it take to recover from a dislocated shoulder?
Depending on the severity and treatment strategy, the healing period for a dislocated shoulder varies.
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4–6 weeks for non-surgical recuperation (immobilisation + rehab)
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4–6 months after surgery (including physical therapy)
Typically, patients can resume heavy lifting or sports only after finishing physical therapy and receiving approval from their orthopaedic specialist. Rehab after surgery is crucial to avoiding recurrence.
How Advanced Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Is Assisted by Manipal Hospitals in Baner
For orthopaedic care and shoulder dislocation therapy, Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune, is a reputable facility. From cutting-edge MRI and CT scans to precise arthroscopic procedures, the hospital offers all-encompassing assistance to handle even the most challenging situations.
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Manipal Hospital Baner: Why Choose It?
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Expert shoulder surgeons with arthroscopic skills.
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Modern diagnostics and imaging.
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Top-notch physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.
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Patient-centred therapy and customised regimens.
Long-term consequences can be avoided by receiving prompt, specialised care, regardless of whether this is your first dislocated shoulder or you are coping with a recurrent one.
Conclusion
A dislocated shoulder is more than simply an unpleasant injury; if left untreated, it can develop into a persistent problem. Knowing the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments is crucial, particularly for repeated shoulder dislocation. Even recurrent instances may be successfully addressed, assisting patients in regaining full function and confidence, thanks to contemporary surgical developments and the knowledge of Manipal Hospital Baner. Consult our expert team of orthopaedics today.
FAQ's
Dislocated shoulder symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, a visible deformity, inability to move the arm, and sometimes numbness.
Treatment may involve reduction (putting the joint back), immobilisation, physiotherapy, or, in some cases, surgery for recurring dislocations.
Surgeries like Bankart repair, Latarjet, and Remplissage are commonly performed based on imaging findings.
Recovery can take between 4 weeks and 6 months, depending on the treatment type and individual healing.
Yes, especially in younger individuals or those in contact sports. Proper rehab and surgical correction help reduce recurrence.
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