Dislocated Shoulder
A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). It is one of the most common joint dislocations seen in both sports injuries and everyday accidents. A dislocated shoulder can happen in many ways—from falling onto an outstretched arm to receiving a heavy blow during contact sports. It often results in sudden, severe pain and visible shoulder deformity.
The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint, which also makes it the most unstable. Its wide range of motion means that even a minor force applied in the wrong direction can push the ball of the joint out of its socket. Most injuries are anterior, meaning the bone moves forward out of the joint. Less commonly, the shoulder can dislocate backwards or downwards, depending on the type of trauma.
Once dislocated, it may swell quickly and become very painful. Moving the arm becomes extremely difficult, and numbness, tingling, or weakness may spread down the arm. The dislocation often stretches or tears surrounding ligaments and tendons, increasing the risk of future instability or further injury.
Dislocated Shoulder
In South Africa, dislocated shoulder injuries are regularly seen in rugby, mountain biking, trail running, and mining-related accidents. Delayed treatment or repeated dislocations can lead to chronic shoulder instability, making early care vital. In areas with limited orthopaedic services, this can sometimes delay proper reduction and rehabilitation.
Internationally, shoulder dislocations are common in both athletic and non-athletic populations. Older adults may experience them from simple falls, while young people more often dislocate their joints during high-speed or contact activities. Once a shoulder has dislocated, there’s a higher risk it will happen again, especially without proper rehabilitation.
Understanding the nature of the injury, how to manage it, and how to prevent recurrence is essential for long-term shoulder health.
[Next: Causes of Dislocated Shoulder →]
