The shoulder contains two joints, the glenohumeral and AC joints, where the upper arm, shoulder blade and collarbone all connect. Trauma to the shoulder can force these bones out of alignment, causing a shoulder dislocation or separation. Dr. Farzin Kabaei and our team at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA offer shoulder dislocation treatment and surgery at our orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.

When referring to a dislocated shoulder, this injury usually involves the glenohumeral shoulder joint, not the AC joint. While AC joint separations do occur, a shoulder dislocation usually involves the upper arm bone (humerus) shifting out of the shoulder blade socket, or glenoid. The expansive range of motion of the shoulder puts it at higher risk for dislocation. Force from the front, back or top can push the humerus out of the socket. Landing on an outstretched arm, auto accidents, sports injuries and other trauma can all result in a dislocated shoulder.

Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder

A shoulder dislocation injury can be partial or complete, depending on whether the humeral head is completely outside of the glenoid socket. The injury will cause immediate pain as the ligaments and other tissues are stretched or torn as the bones are forced out of position. Other symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include:

• Deformity of the shoulder
• Numbness in the arm or hand
• Weakness in the arm
• Bruising and swelling

The first course of treatment for a dislocated shoulder is a reduction, or repositioning the humerus into the shoulder socket. In most cases, this can be performed without surgery in a closed reduction. Restoring alignment can immediately reduce a large amount of pain in the shoulder, but there may be injuries to the tissues that will require treatment. The arm usually will need to be immobilized in a sling to allow the tissues to heal, followed by physical therapy and rehabilitation. In severe injuries, surgery may be required to repair torn tissues or components within the joint.

If you need shoulder dislocation treatment, contact our team at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA in Beverly Hills to book an appointment for an exam and consultation with our shoulder specialist, Dr. Kabaei.