A shoulder dislocation is the result of a trauma or jerk to the Shoulder or because of continuous stress on the shoulder. It is often unbearable if proper medical assistance is not received in time.Although it is common for the athletes, it can happen to people who are not into sports and physical training too.The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body and hencemost vulnerable to dislocation. Shoulder joint is described as ‘Mobility at the cost of Stability’ where the shoulder joint ball separates from the socket of the Shoulder blade.
Who is at risk for shoulder dislocation?
- One who puts shoulder under repeated stress: continuous overheadmovements in sports and other activities like painting, and cleaningcan increase the risk of shoulder dislocation.
- Traumatic events: like participation in contact sports,falling off from a bike or stairs.
- Genetics: many have loose ligaments throughout the body, including the shoulder. They do not provide enough support and hence can result in dislocation. Further, the dislocation can take place in all the direction and result in tearing of capsule that surrounds the joint. The damaged ligaments increase the risk of repeated dislocation.The very first known surgical procedure is to push back the head of the humerus bone into the socket.The process is called closed reduction. The arm is rested on a sling for few days; ice can be applied to avoid inflammation. Physical therapy is necessary and should be taken as soonas possible to restore regular movements.
Most patients feel the need to see a doctor for a shoulder dislocation because of the sheer amount of pain that it causes. But with proper care and guidance it is possible to minimize the pain and put the shoulder right. Of course, the doctors can help to get up and off in no time. The doctors tend to manage first-time dislocations aggressively
though in order for quicker pain relief.
If the dislocation happens under the age of 18 years then there is 90 % chance of reccurrence, while 21 to 25 has a moderate risk, with the age the risk goes down . The earlier the repair treatment, higher is the success rate. Any reccurrence of the shoulder dislocation depends on the age and other few factors. The younger the age, the more are the chances of dislocation.
An arthroscopic surgery is recommended not only to repair the dislocation but also reduce the risk of further dislocation. The procedure is simple, the arthroscope is used to examine, diagnose and treat the affected shoulder. A small incision is made for the arthroscope to detect the amount of damage.The camera gives a clear picture on the monitor for the doctors to evaluate.The labral and ligament tear of the shoulder can be identified easily by incision of arthroscopy and are moved back to the normal position with the help of suture.
Although the surgery has high chances of success already, in order to recover faster surgeons instruction should be followed carefully. It slowly strengthens the shoulder. A sling support can help to heal faster. The aim of the arthroscopic surgery is to reduce the pain and have less recovery time. However regular movement of the shoulder can only be resumed after almost 6 months, depending upon the patient’s case history.