What is a dislocated shoulder?
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the round ball at the top of the upper arm bone, or humerus , leaves the socket in the shoulder blade, or scapula. That means the ball and socket bones of the shoulder are separated, with the ball of the humerus out of position.
Shoulder Dislocation and Recurrent Instability
The shoulder is a shallow ball and socket joint. This allows a fantastic range of movement but also makes it an inherently unstable joint. The socket is made deeper by a rim of fibrocartilage (labrum). Additional stability is provided by thickenings of the joint capsule (ligaments) and the rotator cuff muscles. Shoulder stability relies upon these ligaments remaining intact and the muscles being strong.
Recovery following surgery usually involves staying one night in hospital and being in a sling for 6 weeks. Most people can drive a car after 6 to 8 weeks. Rehabilitation guidelines to share with your physiotherapist are provided following the surgery. Return sport is usually possible at 6 months.
Atraumatic shoulder instability occurs less commonly. This is where the shoulder dislocates with minimal effort and these patients are often described as “loose jointed”. Unlike traumatic shoulder instability, there usually isn’t a labral tear and most patients are treated with physiotherapy.