What is a shoulder dislocation?
Shoulder dislocation, also known as shoulder dislocation or shoulder dislocation, is a condition in which the head of the upper humerus is separated from the scapula (the scapula is the spherical fossa in the scapula). Shoulder dislocation is common, especially in young, active and athletic people.
The vast majority of shoulder dislocations occur as a result of severe stress on the shoulder or external force directly affecting the shoulder. This can happen during sports activities, such as throwing a ball violently or falling on your shoulder.
The severity of shoulder dislocation varies from one case to another. A shoulder dislocation can be partial, in which the head of the upper bone returns to its normal place after injury, or it can be a complete dislocation, in which the head of the upper bone remains completely separated from the knob of the shoulder.
Shoulder dislocation can be accompanied by severe shoulder pain and loss of movement and strength in the affected shoulder. A person may notice a distinct deformity of the shoulder, where the head of the upper bone protrudes or moves when touched. There may also be swelling and bruising in the affected area.
A doctor should be consulted if a shoulder dislocation is suspected, as a medical professional can diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment.
Causes of shoulder dislocation
There are several possible causes of shoulder dislocation, including:
- Sports injuries: Shoulder dislocation can occur as a result of sports injuries, such as vigorous contact sports such as football, basketball, and combat sports. Shoulder dislocation may occur as a result of the shoulder being exposed to an emergency force or bearing excessive weight on it.
- Falls: Falling on the shoulder is one of the common causes of shoulder dislocation. When a person falls on the shoulder hard, the shoulder may move out of its normal place and a dislocation occurs.
- Accidents and accidental injuries: Shoulder dislocation may occur as a result of traumatic accidents such as car accidents or falls from a height. The force caused by these accidents can cause the shoulder to separate from its normal position.
- Weakness of the ligaments and surrounding tissues: In some cases, the shoulder may be more susceptible to dislocation if the ligaments and surrounding tissues are weak or flabby. These weaknesses can be genetic or the result of previous injuries.
- Shoulder instability: Shoulder instability can be a causative factor in shoulder dislocation. In this condition, the ligaments surrounding the shoulder are weak or abnormally stretched, increasing the possibility of a shoulder dislocation.
These are some of the common causes of shoulder dislocation, and a person needs to avoid risky activities and keep the muscles surrounding the shoulder strong to prevent this injury.
Can a shoulder dislocation be treated without surgery?
Yes, in some cases, shoulder dislocation can be treated without surgery. The appropriate type of treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of the dislocation, the type of dislocation, and the person’s general shoulder condition. Non-surgical treatments may include the following:
- Shoulder realignment (Reduction): In some cases, the shoulder can be manually realigned by a skilled medical professional. Certain techniques are applied to return the shoulder to its natural position. This can be done using scales that apply force to return the joint to its correct position. This procedure requires skill and experience to do safely and effectively.
- Splint: After the shoulder is realigned, the shoulder may be placed in a splint to support and stabilize it. The splint helps reduce excess movement and relieve pressure on the affected shoulder. This procedure gives the shoulder time to heal and stabilize.
- Physical therapy: After a period of rest and immobilization with a splint, the doctor may direct you to physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy will strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder and restore the normal range of motion. Physical therapy will help you regain strength and stability in the shoulder.
- Medications and stimulant treatments: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe pain medications or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Electrostimulation or ultrasound treatments may also be used to relieve pain and improve the healing process.
However, a specialist doctor must decide whether the treatment for a shoulder dislocation will be non-surgical or surgical, as this depends on the assessment of the condition, its progression, and the individual needs of the patient.
