Why is Shoulder Joint dislocated easily?
It is important to understand the shoulder joint to know why it dislocated easily. Please refer to the section in Chronic Shoulder Instability for understanding the Shoulder Joint. The shoulder joint is the body's most mobile joint and it can turn in many directions. But, this advantage also makes the shoulder an easy joint to dislocate.
Types of Shoulder Dislocation
- Subluxation - The ball of the upper arm comes just partially out of the socket. This is called a subluxation.
- Complete- The ball comes all the way out of the socket.
What are the Symptoms?
Sometimes dislocation may tear ligaments or tendons in the shoulder or damage nerves. The shoulder joint can dislocate forward, backward, or downward. A common type of shoulder dislocation is when the shoulder slips forward (anterior instability). This means the upper arm bone moved forward and down out of its joint. It may happen when the arm is put in a throwing position. Symptoms to look for include:
- Swelling/Deformity – Loss of round Shoulder Contour
- Weakness
- Bruising
Treatment
The doctor will place the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) back into the joint socket. This process is called closed reduction. It is recommended to undergo this procedure under short spa of anaesthesia. Anaesthetic medications help in relieving severe muscle spam accompanying the dislocation and aides in easy reduction.
Rehabilitation
Your doctor may immobilize the shoulder in a sling or other device for several weeks following treatment. Plenty of rest is needed. The sore area can be iced 3 to 4 times a day. After the pain and swelling go down, the doctor will prescribe rehabilitation exercises for restoring the shoulder's range of motion and strength of the muscles. Rehabilitation will begin with gentle muscle toning exercises. Later, weight training is added. If shoulder dislocation becomes a chronic condition, a brace can sometimes help. If therapy and bracing fail, surgery may be needed to repair or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments that help hold the joint in place, particularly in young athletes.