A dislocated shoulder occurs when the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) separates from its socket in the shoulder blade (glenoid). This injury requires prompt medical attention. The shoulder’s high mobility makes it particularly susceptible to dislocation.
Visual and Sensory Indicators
Identifying a dislocated shoulder involves recognizing visible changes. The shoulder may appear deformed or out of place, lacking its normal rounded contour. It might look “squared off” or have an unusual bump. The arm often hangs in an unusual position, possibly slightly away from the body or held protectively, and may appear slightly longer than the uninjured arm. Swelling and bruising commonly develop around the shoulder area soon after the injury.
Severe sensory indicators accompany these visual cues, including intense, immediate pain often exacerbated by any attempt to move the arm, which can sometimes radiate down the arm. The injured individual experiences an inability to move the arm or shoulder, resulting in complete immobility. A sensation that the shoulder is “out of place” or “slipping” is common. Muscle spasms around the joint can occur, increasing discomfort and limiting movement. Nerve involvement can also lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers.
Distinguishing from Other Shoulder Injuries
Differentiating a dislocated shoulder from other common shoulder injuries is important, as symptoms can sometimes overlap. A shoulder sprain (AC joint separation) involves stretched or torn ligaments connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade, not the main ball-and-socket joint. While a sprain causes pain and limited motion, it presents with less severe deformity than a dislocation, and pain is often concentrated at the top of the shoulder rather than the upper arm.
Shoulder fractures, such as those to the collarbone or upper arm bone, also cause significant pain, swelling, and bruising. Unlike a dislocation where the joint is visibly out of alignment, a fracture might not always show an obvious deformity unless bone fragments are significantly displaced. While movement is limited with a fracture, some motion might still be possible, whereas a dislocated shoulder results in complete immobility.
A rotator cuff tear involves damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Unlike a dislocation, it can occur acutely from trauma or develop over time from overuse. While a tear causes pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm, it often presents as a dull ache and may not result in the sudden, complete immobility or dramatic visible deformity characteristic of a dislocation. A dislocated shoulder can sometimes lead to an associated rotator cuff tear due to the force of the injury.
Immediate Actions After Suspecting Dislocation
If a dislocated shoulder is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. This involves going to an emergency room or urgent care center. Do not attempt to force the shoulder back into place yourself or allow an untrained person to do so, as this can worsen the injury by damaging surrounding tissues, nerves, or blood vessels.
While waiting for medical assistance, immobilize the injured arm to prevent further movement and reduce pain. Support the arm in a comfortable position, possibly with a sling or makeshift bandage. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Avoid applying heat, as this can increase swelling. Delaying treatment can lead to complications.