Question 1

what is does it mean to have dislocation of the shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder Instability: Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint.  The top of your arm forms the ball and the socket is deep inside the shoulder.  It is similar to a golf ball on a golf tee.  If the ball falls off the socket then the shoulder is dislocated.  Most dislocations are related to the ligaments of the shoulder being stretched or torn.

Question 2

how can you stop frequent shoulder dislocations?

Accepted Answer

Further workup: Multiple shoulder dislocations warrant a visit to an orthopedic surgeon for further workup.  There are some treatable conditions that can help for the patient with multiple shoulder dislocations.  Physical exam, xray and/or MRI scan can be helpful to identify the underlying problem.  Surgical intervention is sometimes needed.

Question 3

why might i frequently have shoulder dislocations?

Accepted Answer

Torn shldr capsule: The classic injury with a shoulder dislocation is a tear of the capsule and ligaments off the front of the shoulder allowing the usually stable shoulder to repeatedly slip out the front of the joint. The structures  may tear away from the bone or become elongated and stretched out. Recurrent dislocations may require physical therapy and surgery to create a stable fully functional shoulder joint.

Question 4

can rotatory cuff injury lead to dislocation in shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Yes  / No: In massive rotator cuff tears the shoulder can sublux superiorly and caus significant arthritis but acute dislocation of the shoulder is not  seen.

Question 5

can i still work out after having several shoulder dislocations?

Accepted Answer

Yes-protect shoulder: Working out can be safe with a history of shoulder instability with certain precautions. Your treating physician can best manage your activities based upon the stability of your injured shoulder. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your shoulder an scapula are important to maximize your potential for recovery both preoperatively and postoperatively if surgery is necessary.

Question 6

what to do if i have shoulder dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the joint: Initial treatment is to reduce the dislocation, after which most are placed in a sling. It is important to determine how much structural damage has been done so an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon is recommended.....this does not mean surgery is required but there are some associated injuries and factors that may influence your treatment choices and your decision as to what is best for you.

Question 7

what types of surgery for shoulder dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Stabilization: Surgery may be indicated depending on your age and activity level.  Often, the procedure can be done arthroscopically to repair torn cartilage (labrum) and ligaments.

Question 8

should it hurt after shoulder dislocation?

Accepted Answer

Pain varies: Shoulder pain after a glenohumeral reduction (put back in) is typically less than while it is out of place. For first time dislocations the pain level tends to be higher, but individual tolerance must also be considered. After any dislocation/ reduction you should have an x-ray regardless of pain level to rule out any damage to the bony structures that may have occured during the trauma.

Question 9

how is a shoulder dislocation typically reduced?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: The way that shoulders are reduced is dependent on the direction it has dislocated.  Many shoulder dislocations will reduce spontaneously as your are moving around on your way to the emergency room.  If the shoulder is still dislocated in the emergency room, the reduction maneuver chosen by the doctor will be based on the xray findings.

Question 10

how do i stop my shoulder dislocation from happening?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: People that had multiple traumatic shoulder dislocations are best dealt with surgery. This is usually an arthroscopic type procedure that has a greater than 90% success rate in stopping further dislocations. For people that can voluntarily dislocate their shoulders the success rate for surgery is much less.

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What is does it mean to have dislocation of the shoulder

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What is does it mean to have dislocation of the shoulder?

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How can you stop frequent shoulder dislocations?

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Why might i frequently have shoulder dislocations?

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Can rotatory cuff injury lead to dislocation in shoulder?

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Can i still work out after having several shoulder dislocations?

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What to do if i have shoulder dislocation?

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What types of surgery for shoulder dislocation?

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Should it hurt after shoulder dislocation?

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How is a shoulder dislocation typically reduced?

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How do i stop my shoulder dislocation from happening?

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