The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and when forced, the “ball,” or top of the upper arm bone, can be dislodged from the “socket” in the shoulder blade. This is called a shoulder dislocation, and it is a painful shoulder injury that can cause damage to the components in the shoulder. At Shoulders & Knees, our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steven Struhl, is a shoulder specialist. He offers effective shoulder dislocation treatments at our clinics in NYC and Westchester.
The shoulder joint is the most flexible and versatile joint in the body. While its configuration allows for a wide range of motion, it also leaves it more susceptible to dislocation injuries. The humerus head can be forced out of the socket, or the glenoid of the scapula. It is more common for dislocations to occur with the humerus head slipping forward, but they can also occur with the ball shifting backward out of the socket. Falling on an outstretched hand or an impact shoving the shoulder backward can cause a shoulder joint dislocation injury.
Repairing Shoulder Dislocation Injuries
A shoulder dislocation is very painful and will result in limited mobility of the joint and arm. The initial treatment for a shoulder dislocation is a reduction or repositioning, and putting the ball back into the socket. In many cases, a closed reduction can be used, which is non-surgical. This is usually performed under anesthesia by emergency medical professionals.
When closed reduction is not possible, open reduction may be necessary. This is a surgical procedure to move the humerus head back inside the glenoid of the shoulder blade.
In addition to reducing the shoulder after dislocation, patients recovering from this type of injury may need other treatments and therapy. It is common for injuries to ligaments or the labrum to occur during dislocation that could result in recurrent shoulder joint dislocations and shoulder discomfort.
If you need shoulder dislocation treatment, Dr. Steven Struhl is one of the top orthopedic surgeons and shoulder specialists in the country. Contact us at Shoulders & Knees to schedule your appointment at our clinic in Westchester or NYC to meet with Dr. Struhl to discuss your shoulder dislocation treatment options.
