PCOS - WatsonsHealth

SHOULDER DISLOCATION

Shoulder dislocations may occur when you have experienced a traumatic injury. Different conditions may affect the natural structures of the shoulder and can result to shoulder dislocations.

Dislocation results when a person has a fall or a collision with another person or an object. This kind of injury is very painful and if this happens, it can stop you from functioning in a normal way.

The treatment for this kind of injury is usually given by an orthopedic surgeon. You will be given first aid in an emergency room.

Shoulder dislocations are classified into three types:

Anterior dislocation. This type of dislocation affects the top of the humerus, further displacing it forward, towards the front of the body.  This is the most common type of shoulder dislocation and this is responsible for more than 90% of all shoulder dislocations.

Posterior dislocation. In this dislocation, the upper part of the humerus is displaced toward the back, which may be due to a forceful fall.

Inferior dislocation. The humerus is displaced downward. This kind of shoulder dislocation is not common. It is caused by injuries where the arm is may be pushed downward.

 

Symptoms

Severe pain at the shoulder joint is indicative of a shoulder dislocation.

There will be difficulty in moving the arm. This is accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness on the affected shoulder.

In an acute injury, swelling or bruising in the affected area is expected.

DIAGNOSIS

After taking a medical history of the injury and how it happened, your doctor may conduct a general exam in the injured shoulder to make a diagnosis of a shoulder dislocation.

Shoulder X-rays can detect a shoulder dislocation. They are used to determine the location of the dislocation to know if there are other injuries like fractures of the upper humerus or breaking of the ligaments that connect the collarbone to the shoulder blade.

 

MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT

If you are having a fracture, you may have further scans to investigate the area with more detail. Shoulder dislocation requires a specialist called an orthopaedic surgeon for proper care and just in case you may need surgery.

Otherwise, if you don’t have any fractures, your arm will be gently backed into its shoulder joint with a procedure known as reduction.

You will be also be given painkillers to help you relax during treatment.

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