Shoulder dislocation is a condition that occurs when the head of the upper bone (humeral head) slips out of the ball fossa in the scapula. Shoulder joint dislocation can occur as a result of sports injuries, accidents, or abnormal movements of the shoulder.
After a shoulder dislocation, you will need treatment to resecure the shoulder, reduce pain, and restore movement. Here are some general tips for after a shoulder dislocation:
- Shoulder immobilization: You will need to immobilize the shoulder with a splint or plaster to keep the joint stable and reduce unnecessary movement. You should follow your doctor’s instructions regarding how long to wear and how to care for it.
- Drug treatment: The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics to relieve pain and swelling. You must follow the schedule and doses specified by your doctor.
- Physical therapy: After the fixation is removed, your doctor may recommend participating in physical therapy sessions to improve shoulder strength and restore normal movement. You will receive special exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder and improve balance.
- Gradual return to activities: Strenuous activities and heavy loads on the shoulder should be avoided during the recovery period. A physician or treating health worker should be consulted regarding when routine activities and sports can be resumed.
- Remember, these are general tips, and your treatment plan may vary based on your condition. You should see your doctor to evaluate your condition and guide you properly to treat the dislocation and recover the shoulder.
What are the symptoms of shoulder dislocation?
Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation can include the following:
- Sharp pain: The victim may feel sharp pain in the shoulder area after the injury. The pain may become more severe when trying to move or load the shoulder.
- Swelling and swelling: The affected shoulder can become swollen and appear puffy in the surrounding area. This is due to inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joint.
- Inability to use the shoulder: The affected person may find it difficult to move or use the shoulder normally. The shoulder can be unstable and feel weak.
- A feeling of bias or slippage: The sufferer may feel a feeling of bias or slippage in the shoulder, where the shoulder feels “out of place” or “unstable.”
- Muscle spasm: Spasms may occur in the muscles surrounding the affected joint, leading to reduced shoulder range of motion.
If you think you have dislocated your shoulder joint, you must consult a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately to evaluate the condition and provide the necessary treatment. The doctor can perform appropriate examinations and tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to diagnose and evaluate the dislocation and direct the necessary treatment.
Types of shoulder dislocation
There are several types of shoulder dislocation, including:
- Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: Occurs when the head of the upper bone (humeral head) slides forward and out of the ball fossa in the shoulder bone. Anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common type of shoulder dislocation.
- Posterior Shoulder Dislocation: Occurs when the head of the upper bone slides backward and out of the ball fossa. Posterior shoulder dislocation is less common than anterior shoulder dislocation.
- Inferior Shoulder Dislocation: Occurs when the head of the upper shoulder bone slides down and out of the ball fossa. Shoulder subluxation is rare and is usually the result of severe injury or tear to the ligaments surrounding the joint.
- Lateral Shoulder Dislocation: Occurs when the head of the upper shoulder bone slides to the side and out of the ball fossa. This type of shoulder dislocation is rare and usually the result of a severe injury.
Treatment for a shoulder dislocation may require holding the shoulder joint in place with a splint or surgical intervention. The type of treatment depends on the type and severity of the dislocation and the clinical assessment of the condition. You should consult your physician to evaluate the dislocation and direct the appropriate treatment for you.