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. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Car crash
- Fall, especially if your arm is straight when you fall
- Direct blow to the shoulder
- Sports injury like hard throwing and lifting
What are the main signs?
- Pain in your shoulder, especially when trying to move
- Trouble moving your shoulder
- Weakness in your shoulder
- Shoulder is in an odd position
- Swelling or bruising
- Pain or numbness down into your arm and hand
- Muscle spasms or cramping in the shoulder or arm
- Arm or hand feels cold
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
If the shoulder is dislocated, a doctor can often tell just by looking at the shoulder. The doctor will feel your shoulder, arm, and hand. This will help to find where the problem is and to check for numbness. Your doctor will also check your pulse in your wrist. This is to see if there is an injury to blood vessels. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor can sometimes put the shoulder joint back into place by moving the arm a certain way. This is called a closed reduction. With this, you are given drugs to help you relax and lower pain. ‚
Other times, you may need to have surgery. This is called an open reduction. ‚
Once your shoulder is back in place, the doctor may order other things to help your shoulder, like: ‚
- Rest
- Ice
- Brace or sling to keep your shoulder from moving
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
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.
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚