What is a shoulder dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the arm bone is forced completely out of the shallow socket of the shoulder blade — most often forwards. It usually follows a fall onto an outstretched arm or a forceful blow, frequently in sport.
A dislocation commonly tears the rim of cartilage (the labrum) and stretches the ligaments that hold the joint in place. This is why a first dislocation — especially in a young athlete — carries a real risk of becoming a recurring problem (instability).
Signs and symptoms
- checkSevere, sudden pain and an obviously deformed shoulder.
- checkAn inability to move the arm which is held guarded against the body.
- checkA visible bulge or squared-off shoulder where the ball has shifted.
- checkNumbness or tingling down the arm if nearby nerves are stretched.
What to do straight away
A dislocated shoulder needs prompt medical attention to put the joint back (a reduction):
- Do not try to force the joint back yourself.
- Support the arm and keep it still.
- Seek urgent medical care for a professional reduction.
- An X-ray is taken before and after to confirm position and exclude fracture.
A dislocation should be reduced by a professional without delay. Numbness, a cold or pale hand, or severe deformity warrants emergency assessment.
Assessment after reduction
Once the joint is back in place, the focus shifts to what was damaged. An MRI — often with contrast — identifies labral tears (such as a Bankart lesion) and any bone loss, which determines the risk of recurrence and whether stabilisation surgery should be considered.
Treatment options
Rehabilitation
A first dislocation in a lower-demand patient is often managed with a short period of rest, then a strengthening programme.
Stabilisation
For young athletes or recurrent dislocations, arthroscopic repair of the torn labrum restores a stable joint.
Risk-based
Age, sport and the pattern of damage guide whether early surgery is the wiser path.
Recovery & outlook
After a first dislocation treated with rehabilitation, the arm is rested briefly and then strengthened progressively over several weeks. Where instability recurs, stabilisation surgery is highly effective. The key decision — rehab or repair — turns on your age and activity and the damage found on imaging.