All About Shoulder Instability
The shoulder joint is the body's most mobile joint. It can turn in many directions, but this advantage also makes the shoulder an easy joint to dislocate.
A partial dislocation (subluxation) means the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is partially out of the socket (glenoid). A complete dislocation means it is all the way out of the socket. Both partial and complete dislocations cause pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder.
Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include:
- Deformity
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Bruising
Sometimes a dislocation may tear ligaments or tendons in the shoulder or damage nerves.
The shoulder joint can dislocate forward, backward, or downward. A common type of shoulder dislocation is when the shoulder slips forward (anterior instability). This means the upper arm bone moved forward and out of its socket. It may happen when the arm is put in a throwing position.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Instability
Once the shoulder is reduced (put back into place), you may need to immobilize the shoulder in a sling or other device for several weeks following treatment. Plenty of early rest is needed. The sore area can be iced 3 to 4 times a day.
After the pain and swelling go down, your doctor will prescribe rehabilitation exercises for you. These help restore the shoulder's range of motion and strengthen the muscles. Rehabilitation may also help prevent dislocation of the shoulder again in the future.
If shoulder dislocation becomes a recurrent problem, a brace can sometimes help. However, if therapy and bracing fail, surgery may be needed to repair or tighten the torn or stretched ligaments that help hold the joint in place, particularly in young athletes.
At times, the recurrently dislocating shoulder can result in some bone damage to the humerus or shoulder socket. If there is extensive bony damage a bone graft may be indicated. An MRI and CT scan will assist in delineating the extent of damage and help determine treatment recommendations.
