Shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). This can happen due to a sudden injury, such as a fall or a direct blow to the shoulder, or can result from repetitive activities that put stress on the joint. 

There are two main types of shoulder dislocations:

• Anterior dislocation: The humerus moves forward, which is the most common type.
• Posterior dislocation: The humerus moves backwards, which is less common.

Symptoms typically include intense pain, swelling, and a visible deformity in the shoulder. In some cases, the arm may also hang at a different angle. Treatment often involves repositioning the bone back into the socket (reduction), followed by rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to repair damaged ligaments or bones. It’s important to seek medical attention if a dislocation is suspected.

What are the main causes of shoulder dislocation?

Shoulder dislocations can occur due to several reasons:

• Trauma or Injury: A common cause is an accident, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries, where force is applied to the shoulder.
• Repetitive Overhead Activities: Athletes involved in sports like swimming, baseball, or weightlifting may experience dislocations due to repetitive movements or overexertion.
• Weak or Loose Ligaments: Some individuals may have naturally loose or lax ligaments that provide less stability to the shoulder joint, making dislocations more likely.
• Previous Dislocations: Once someone has dislocated their shoulder, the joint may become more prone to subsequent dislocations due to weakened tissues or structural changes.
• Genetic Conditions: Certain hereditary conditions, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can affect connective tissues and increase the risk of dislocations.

Understanding these factors can help in taking preventive measures, especially for those at higher risk.

Shoulder dislocation surgery 

When is shoulder dislocation surgery recommended?

• Recurrent Dislocations: If a patient has multiple dislocations, surgery may be needed to prevent further episodes.
• Significant Damage: If the ligaments, cartilage, or bone structures are damaged during the dislocation, surgical repair may be indicated.
• Instability: If the shoulder is chronically unstable, surgery can help restore stability.

Shoulder dislocation surgery is often considered when non-surgical treatments have failed or if there is a recurrent dislocation. The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the shoulder joint and restore function. Here are some key points about shoulder dislocation surgery:

Types of shoulder dislocation Surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to guide the surgeon in repairing torn ligaments or stabilizing the joint.

Open Surgery: In more complex cases where there is more bone loss, an open bony surgical procedure may be necessary, where a 5-6 cm incision is made to access the shoulder joint directly.

Shoulder dislocation post-surgery rehabilitation: Why is it important? 

Shoulder dislocation post-surgery rehabilitation is crucial for several reasons:

Restoring Range of Motion: After surgery, it’s important to regain full mobility of the shoulder joint. Rehabilitation exercises help stretch and strengthen the muscles and tissues around the joint, preventing stiffness.

Building Strength: Surgery followed by rest  may lead to muscle weakness around the shoulder. A structured rehabilitation program focuses on strengthening these muscles, which is essential for stabilizing the shoulder and preventing future dislocations.

Improving Functionality: Rehabilitation helps patients return to their daily activities and sports. Gradually increasing activity levels under professional guidance ensures a safe and effective recovery.

Preventing Complications: Proper rehabilitation can help avoid complications such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), which can occur when the shoulder remains immobile for too long.

Psychological Readiness: Rehabilitation includes education and support, helping patients to build confidence in their shoulder’s stability and functionality as they recover.

Monitoring Recovery: Physical therapists can provide ongoing assessments to track progress and make adjustments to the rehabilitation plan as needed, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.

Overall, effective rehabilitation is vital for achieving a successful recovery, restoring the shoulder to its previous function, and minimizing the risk of future dislocations.

A word from Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic about Shoulder dislocation post-surgery rehabilitation

We at Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic follow a world-class rehabilitation program following shoulder dislocation surgery. Here are some general steps to follow:

Immediate Post-Op Phase (Days 1-7):

• Rest: Keep the shoulder immobilized in a sling as directed by your doctor.
• Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain for 15-20 minutes every few hours.
• Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as needed.

Passive Range of Motion (Weeks 1-6):

• Gentle Movements: After about a week, begin a passive range of motion exercises as advised by your therapist. This usually involves assistance from a therapist or using your uninjured arm.
• Follow Guidelines: Focus on movements that do not strain the shoulder and avoid external rotation and lifting.

Active Range of Motion (Weeks 6-12):

• Start Active Exercises: Gradually transition to active range of motion exercises. This may include movements such as arm circles and shoulder flexion.
• Strengthening Exercises: Start light strengthening exercises, emphasizing the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizers, under the guidance of your therapist.

Functional Phase (Weeks 12+):

• Increase Strength and Stability: Continue with strength training, including resistance bands and light weights.
• Focus on Functional Movements: Introduce exercises that mimic daily activities and sports-specific training as tolerated.
• Return to Activities: 
• Gradual Return: Return to normal activities and sports should be gradual, based on the surgeon’s and therapist’s evaluation.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ups to monitor progress and adjust the rehabilitation program as necessary.

Preventative Measures: 

• Education: Learn proper mechanics and strengthening exercises to prevent future dislocations.

At Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic, we always ensure that your rehabilitation program is tailored to your individual needs by working closely with you. Please attend all the follow-ups. For more information, please visit our website https://hyderabadshoulderclinic.com/ or contact us at +91 9959588389 or shoulderandsportsclinic@gmail.com.