Shoulder dislocation is one of the most common dislocated joints of the body. The upper arm bone of the body creeps out of the socket causing intense pain and fracture. The shoulder joint is the highly movable joint in the body making it more vulnerable to dislocate than other joints. More than 20% of the dislocated shoulder would cause fracture. Dislocated shoulder can cause swelling and pain making the joint immobile. Treatment is given in the form of closed reduction, surgery rehabilitation and complete immobilization of the joint. Once the shoulder joint gets dislocated there is every chance for repeated dislocation which can be prevented by using a regular sling.
Causes :
Shoulder joint being the most flexible joint in the body is prone to repeated movements in many directions. This movement would make the joint gradually unstable leading to dislocation. Dislocation of shoulder can occur if the head portion of the humerus gets out of its socket. Since shoulder joint moves in many directions dislocation can happen at any point. More than 90% of dislocated shoulder is of anterior type indicating that the humerus head has come out of its socket in front portion. In rare cases the head moves backward from the joint.
Inferior dislocation is described as luxatio erecta and in case the humerus head dislocates getting stuck between the ribs it is known as intrathoracic dislocation. Young children and adolescents often develop a dislocated shoulder due to fall or injury. Adults and older people may get dislocation due to wear and tear of ligaments. Sports persons who throw a ball or hit it with head in high position and elbow bent fully may develop anterior dislocation if external force is applied on the bent elbow. Here the shoulder moves away from the body. Posterior dislocation can occur due to electrical injury or seizures.