gulfMD Today
  Home
  Ask a Specialist
  Doctors Article
  What Do You Think
  Safety and Health Topics
  UAE Health News
  Search Your...
  Doctors in UAE
  Hospitals in UAE
  Clinics in UAE
  Hospitals/Associations
  Hospitals in Middle East
  Hospitals in USA
  World Wide Hospitals
  Medical Associations
  Medical Colleges in India
  UAE Nursing
  Other Health Links
  General Medic..
  Disease & condition
  A - Z Disease List
  Emergency Numbers
  First Aid
  Your Health
  Child Care
  Men's Health
  Women's Health
  Parenting & Pregnancy
  Food and Fitness
  Vitamins & Nutrition
  Drug Info
  Health Issues
  Related Links
  Archives of Internal Medicine
JAMA
The Lancet
BMJ.com
The New England Journal of Medicine
  Alternative Medicine
  Ayurveda
  Homeopathy
  Yoga & Fitness
  Quick Vote
 

Living near a busy road increases the risk of asthma

True
False
 View Results

  Free Newsletter
 
Newsletter Subscription:

Shoulder Dislocation

What is dislocation of the shoulder?

Dislocation of the shoulder means the displacement of the upper arm bone (humerus) out of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint of the body - often caused by a significant force that separates the shoulder joint's ball (the top rounded portion of the upper arm bone, or humerus) away from the joint's socket (glenoid). The shoulder can dislocate in several ways, including the following:

forward and downward dislocation - these are the most common types of dislocations, which are usually the result of falling on an outstretched hand or on the shoulder itself.

backward dislocation - this type of dislocation may be caused by a direct blow to the front of the shoulder, a fall on an outstretched arm, or from a seizure.

In addition, a shoulder can be partially dislocated (the head of the upper arm is partially out of the shoulder socket) or completely dislocated (the head of the upper arm is completely out of the shoulder socket).

A dislocation can result in a fracture of the upper arm bone. Other complications may include the following:

  • nerve damage
  • damage to an artery
  • muscle damage
  • rotator cuff tear

What are the symptoms of a shoulder dislocation?

The following are the most common symptoms of a dislocated shoulder. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • pain in the upper arm and shoulder, which is usually worse during movement
  • swelling
  • numbness and weakness
  • bruising
  • deformity of the shoulder (in a forward dislocation)

The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult a physician for a diagnosis.

How is a shoulder dislocation diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for a dislocated shoulder may include an x-ray (a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film).

Treatment for a shoulder dislocation:

Specific treatment for a shoulder dislocation will be determined by your physician based on:

  • your age, overall health, and medical history
  • extent of the injury
  • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the injury
  • your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

  • moving the head of the upper arm bone back into the shoulder joint, usually with an anesthetic
  • immobilization of the shoulder with a sling
  • rehabilitation



30/01/04

Normal Female Fertility
Normal Male Fertility
Fertility Facts and Figures
A Patient's Guide to Endocrinology
How do I Know if I Have an Infertility Problem
Causes of Infertility
Signs of Reproductive Disorders
Disorders Associated with Infertility
Uterine Factors In Infertility
Infertility in men
Risk Factors for Male and Female infertility
Medications for infertility




Our Profile| Advertise with us| Privacy Policy| Discussion Forum| Recommend Site| Contact Us| New Doctor Registration| Hospital Partner Program| Support Us

gulfMD Copyright© 2001-2012, All Rights Reserved.
The Site can be best viewed in IE above 4.0 or Netscape 4.7,
with resolution as 1024x768