Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone (humeral head) is forced out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and, as a result, the most frequently dislocated. About 95% of dislocations are anterior — the ball slips forward out of the socket, usually after a fall on an outstretched arm or a collision in contact sports. After a dislocation is reduced (put back in place), the risk of it happening again is high — especially in young, active patients.
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Symptoms
- Immediate, severe shoulder pain after trauma
- Visible deformity or squaring of the shoulder contour
- Inability to move the arm
- Numbness or tingling down the arm (suggests nerve stretch)
- Muscle spasm around the shoulder
When to See a Doctor
A dislocated shoulder is a medical emergency — go to the emergency room. Do not attempt to put it back yourself. After it is reduced, follow up with an orthopaedic surgeon to assess for associated injuries (Bankart tear, Hill-Sachs lesion, rotator cuff tear) and discuss whether stabilization surgery is appropriate given your age and activity level.
Treatment Options
Closed reduction
Emergency repositioning of the humeral head back into the socket using traction and rotation techniques. Done in the ER under sedation or pain management.
Sling immobilization and physical therapy
Immobilization for 2-6 weeks followed by gradual rehabilitation. Appropriate for older patients or first-time dislocations in lower-demand individuals.
Bankart repair (arthroscopic stabilization)
Arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn labrum and anterior capsule. Recommended after a first dislocation in young, athletic patients, or after recurrent instability.
Latarjet procedure
A bone block procedure for patients with significant bone loss on the glenoid or failed prior soft tissue repair. More complex, but highly effective for preventing recurrence.
Recovery Timeline
After reduction, sling for 2-6 weeks and physical therapy for 3-6 months. Return to contact sports typically takes 4-6 months. After surgical stabilization, return to contact sports takes 5-6 months minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my shoulder dislocate again?
It depends heavily on age. Patients under 20 at first dislocation have roughly an 80-90% recurrence rate without surgery. The rate drops with increasing age — patients over 40 at first dislocation have lower recurrence rates, but higher rates of rotator cuff tears. Most orthopaedic surgeons recommend surgical stabilization after a first dislocation in young athletes for this reason.
Do I need surgery after a first-time shoulder dislocation?
Not always, but the conversation is worth having — especially if you are under 25 and play contact or overhead sports. The evidence is fairly clear that early stabilization in young athletes reduces recurrence and long-term joint damage. For older or lower-activity patients, the equation tips toward conservative management.
What is a Bankart tear?
A Bankart lesion is a tear of the anterior inferior labrum — the cartilage rim at the front of the socket — that occurs in most anterior shoulder dislocations. It is the main anatomic reason the shoulder becomes unstable and prone to re-dislocation. Bankart repair (arthroscopic reattachment of the torn labrum) addresses this directly.
Related Specialty
Shoulder Specialists →Shoulder Dislocation by State
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.