Shoulder Dislocation Treatment | Dr. Daniel Feghhi

Understanding Shoulder Dislocation

What Is a Shoulder Dislocation?

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the socket (glenoid), causing pain and instability.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint where the humeral head fits into the glenoid socket. The labrum (cartilage ring) and ligaments provide stability.

Types of Dislocations

Anterior dislocations (most common) occur when the arm is forced outward. Posterior dislocations are rarer. Subluxation is a partial dislocation.

Causes

Common causes include sports injuries (football, basketball), falls, accidents, and seizures. The shoulder can also dislocate during everyday activities.

Risk Factors

Young male athletes, individuals with previous dislocations, those with ligamentous laxity, and contact sport participants face higher risk.

Associated Injuries

Dislocations often cause Bankart lesions (labral tears), Hill-Sachs lesions (bone damage), and rotator cuff injuries, especially in older patients.

Chronic Instability

Repeated dislocations can lead to chronic shoulder instability, where the shoulder pops out repeatedly with minimal trauma.

Who Is at Risk?

Contact sport athletes, individuals under 30, those with a history of dislocation, and people with connective tissue disorders.

Recognition & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the signs of a shoulder dislocation and getting proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Common Symptoms

Severe Pain

Intense, immediate pain at the time of injury that worsens with any arm movement. Pain may radiate down the arm.

Visible Deformity

The shoulder may appear squared or flattened. A bulge may be visible where the humeral head has dislocated.

Limited Movement

Inability to move the arm or shoulder. The arm may be locked in an unusual position away from the body.

Numbness/Tingling

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand due to nerve compression from the dislocated bone.

Swelling/Bruising

Swelling and bruising around the shoulder joint that develops within hours of the injury.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination

Dr. Feghhi will assess shoulder position, check for numbness, evaluate range of motion, and test rotator cuff strength.

X-Rays

Essential to confirm dislocation direction, identify bone injuries, and rule out fractures before reduction.

MRI Scan

Evaluates soft tissue injuries including labral tears, rotator cuff damage, and ligamentous injuries.

CT Scan

Provides detailed bone anatomy images for complex cases or when surgical planning is required.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options for shoulder dislocations, from immediate reduction to surgical stabilization.

Immediate Treatment: Reduction

The first step in treating a shoulder dislocation is reducing the joint (putting the humerus back into the socket). This should be performed by a medical professional.

Closed Reduction

Manual manipulation to reposition the bone without surgery. Often performed in the ER under sedation.

Post-Reduction Care

Sling immobilization for 2-6 weeks followed by physical therapy to restore strength and stability.

Surgical Reduction

Rarely needed for irreducible dislocations or when associated with severe bone damage.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Immobilization

Sling or brace to keep the shoulder in position while tissues heal. Duration varies by injury severity.

Physical Therapy

Customized exercises to strengthen rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers, improving joint resilience.

Medications

NSAIDs and pain relievers to manage inflammation and discomfort during the recovery process.

Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that stress the shoulder, especially overhead motions and contact sports.

Surgical Treatments

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Minimally invasive surgery to repair torn labrum and ligaments, restoring shoulder stability.

Small incisions
Faster recovery
Outpatient procedure

Latarjet Procedure

Transfers a piece of bone to the socket to reconstruct bony stability for severe bone loss.

For bone loss
High success rate
Long-term stability

Capsular Shift

Tightens the stretched shoulder capsule and ligaments to reduce instability.

Addresses laxity
Open or arthroscopic
Comprehensive repair

Remplissage

Fills the Hill-Sachs defect with rotator cuff tissue to prevent engagement and dislocation.

For Hill-Sachs lesions
Combined with Bankart
Prevents recurrence

Hill-Sachs Remplissage

Surgical filling of the bone defect using bone grafts or allografts to restore socket geometry.

Bone restoration
Structural support
Advanced technique

Open Stabilization

Traditional open surgery for complex cases or failed previous procedures.

Direct visualization
Complex cases
Comprehensive access

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about shoulder dislocations.

How do I know if my shoulder is dislocated?

Can I pop my shoulder back in myself?

How long does it take to recover from shoulder dislocation surgery?

Will I need surgery after my first shoulder dislocation?

What happens if I don't treat a shoulder dislocation?

When can I return to sports after shoulder dislocation treatment?

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

Don't let a shoulder dislocation keep you on the sidelines. Dr. Daniel Feghhi and our team are here to help you recover and return to the activities you love.

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Our Locations

Visit Our New Jersey Offices

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 328-1200

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East Brunswick

East Brunswick, NJ

(732) 333-8700

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Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 400-5990

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Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

(201) 968-0230

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Wayne

Wayne, NJ

(973) 987-3040

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