joint. The "ball part of the joint is the top part of your upper arm bone. The "socket" part of your joint is in your shoulder blade. Strong bands called ligaments and muscles hold these bones together. Sometimes, the arm bone is pushed out of its normal place, just a little. This is a shoulder subluxation or partial shoulder dislocation. If the arm bone is pushed all the way out of the socket, it is a shoulder dislocation. This injury almost always happens when the arm bone slips forward. It can also slip downwards and backwards. This is a serious injury. It needs to be treated right away. You can have long-term damage to the nerves and blood vessels if you are not treated right away. ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling.
- Use a brace or sling to keep your shoulder from moving.
- Do exercises as shown by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. Your doctor may send you to an orthopedic doctor, if needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your shoulder for a while. If you work out or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot prevent a shoulder dislocation. You can lower your risk by preventing injuries or accidents. ‚
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Be careful when on ladders, roofs, or high places where a fall could happen.
- Wear protection when playing sports.
- Keep your muscles strong and flexible. Take extra care if you have had this injury in the past. You are more likely to dislocate your shoulder again.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Numbness in your hand
- Your hand feels cold
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling or my fingers are cool or blue.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00035 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚