Shoulder Dislocation: What It Is, Types, and How It Manifests

Shoulder dislocation is a condition in which the head of the humerus comes out of the shoulder joint. About 1.7% of people experience it during their lifetime, and it accounts for approximately half of all major dislocations seen in emergency care. Men sustain this dislocation more often than women.

What shoulder dislocation is and how the shoulder joint is structured

The shoulder joint works like a hinge: the rounded head of the humerus is held in the glenoid cavity of the scapula by the capsule and ligaments. A dislocation is a disruption of the normal position of the bone ends at their junction. The head comes out of the cavity, and the joint stops working as a lever. A common cause is a fall onto an outstretched arm or onto the shoulder, a blow, or another injury.

Shoulder dislocation and subluxation: what is the difference

In a complete dislocation, the head leaves the cavity entirely; in a subluxation, it is displaced partially. Dislocation and fracture can be difficult to distinguish without examination: both manifest with pain, restricted movement, swelling, and a change in skin color (bruising). Shoulder subluxation also requires a doctor's examination, and X-ray helps to see the degree of displacement. A similar picture occurs in children: the so-called "nursemaid's elbow" — a partial dislocation in which the child simply does not want to use the arm.

Recurrent shoulder dislocation: why it recurs

After the first dislocation, the risk of recurrence increases. This depends on age and on how well the joint has healed. Recurrent shoulder dislocation is repeated episodes of displacement. The doctor may offer an examination to check whether the joint is damaged and to discuss whether surgery is needed to reduce the risk.

What a Bankart lesion is

A Bankart lesion is a disruption of the integrity of the shoulder joint capsule, which is considered a possible complication of dislocation. Other complications include a Hill-Sachs lesion, rotator cuff tear, and axillary nerve injury.

How dislocation and subluxation are diagnosed: examination and X-ray

The diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and confirmed by X-ray. X-ray in shoulder subluxation and in complete dislocation shows the position of the head; after reduction, a follow-up image is taken. Additionally, a scan may be ordered to assess the condition of the joint tissues, including when a Bankart lesion of the shoulder joint is suspected.

Possible complications and when urgent medical help is needed

Most dislocations with early treatment do not cause lasting consequences, but injuries to surrounding tissues take 6–12 weeks to heal. Nerve and vascular injuries can lead to longer-term problems.

• the arm does not move, the shoulder looks displaced or has changed shape;
• severe pain, swelling, or a change in skin color (bruising);
• numbness or tingling in the shoulder and further down the arm;
• pale, cold, or bluish skin below the joint;
• bone protrudes through the skin or there is severe bleeding.

By itself, it is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if bone protrudes through the skin, there is severe bleeding, or the skin below the joint is pale, cold, or bluish.

This material is for reference: it explains what happens to the joint and what examinations are available, but it does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer