Shoulder Dislocation
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint consisting of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The rounded head of the humerus fits into the socket-like glenoid in the shoulder blade. This socket is surrounded by a soft-tissue rim called the labrum, which adds depth and stability to the joint.
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket (glenoid). This can cause pain and unsteadiness in the shoulder. The shoulder can dislocate in several directions, and a dislocated shoulder can result in repeated dislocations and instability.
As an expert shoulder surgeon in the Detroit area, Dr. Ben Mayo specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder dislocations. When determining the best treatment plan, Dr. Mayo considers multiple factors including your activity level, goals, and injury severity to find the best treatment for you. Contact Dr. Mayo’s team today to schedule a consultation at one of his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights.
Shoulder dislocations usually occur due to a significant force that separates the shoulder joint’s ball and socket. This can happen from a direct blow to the shoulder, a fall on an outstretched hand, or extreme rotation of the shoulder. Athletes in contact sports or sports that involve falling or overextending the shoulder, such as football, volleyball, and skiing, are at a higher risk.
Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation can include severe shoulder pain, visible deformity, swelling, bruising, inability to move the joint, or a feeling of instability. Some people may experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in the neck or down the arm.
Although the intense pain of a shoulder dislocation might decrease once the shoulder is put back into place, further treatment is often necessary to restore normal function and prevent future dislocations. This typically involves rest, immobilization, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
Diagnosis of a shoulder dislocation is typically based on a physical examination and imaging tests. X-rays can show if the shoulder is dislocated and reveal any fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help identify damage to soft tissues.
Schedule a Shoulder Consultation
If you have sustained a shoulder dislocation, it’s important to be evaluated by an expert shoulder surgeon like Dr. Ben Mayo. As a fellowship trained sports surgeon with specialization in shoulder dislocations, Dr. Ben Mayo provides not just solutions, but comprehensive, tailored care aimed at quick and effective recovery. Dr. Mayo is conveniently located with clinics in Sterling Heights and Livonia to serve nearby communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. If you or a family member suffer from shoulder dislocations, contact Dr. Mayo to schedule a consultation today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
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