Dislocated Shoulder

If you have dislocated your shoulder, your upper arm bone (humerus) has moved out of your shoulder joint. This is the most frequently dislocated major joint of your body. Dislocation is often caused by a significant force that separates your shoulder joint’s ball (the top rounded portion of your upper arm bone) from your joint’s socket (glenoid).

What causes a shoulder dislocation?

Your shoulder can dislocate in several ways, including:

Forward and downward dislocation (anterior dislocation). These are the most common types of dislocations. They often result from falling on your outstretched hand or on your shoulder itself.
Backward dislocation (posterior dislocation). This type of dislocation may be caused by a direct blow to the front of your shoulder, or the violent twisting of your upper arm.
Your shoulder can be either partly or fully dislocated. Partial dislocation is when the head of your upper arm is partly out of your shoulder socket. Complete dislocation is when the head of your upper arm is completely out of your shoulder socket.

What are the symptoms of a shoulder dislocation?

Symptoms may be a bit different for each person. Symptoms may include:

Pain in your upper arm and shoulder, which is often worse when you try to move them
Swelling
Numbness and weakness
Bruising
Deformity of your shoulder

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call:

SBL Bonutti Clinic at 217 342-3400, or
SBL Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 217 238-3435

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