If you experience a shoulder dislocation or instability, you should seek medical attention. If the shoulder remains dislocated, you should seek immediate treatment to have your shoulder relocated. However, even if the shoulder goes back into place by itself, there may be damage to the surrounding structures that would benefit from treatment.

Common symptoms of a shoulder dislocation include significant pain, weakness, loss of motion with inability or difficulty moving the arm. Patients can also experience popping sensations or potentially numbness of the arm. In cases of suspected shoulder dislocations or instability, an extensive history should be performed, followed by a complete physical examination of the shoulder, and often ends with imaging to evaluate the bone and soft tissue of the shoulder joint (x-rays, MRI, CT).

Important aspects of the history are how you injured the shoulder, how many dislocations you have had, did you have to go to the ER to have it put back in place, what activities make you feel like it’s going to dislocate or cause you symptoms, and what activities you would like to be able to do in the future. The physical exam of the shoulder will include an evaluation of strength, range of motion, and a thorough assessment to make sure there are no injuries to the nerves or blood vessels in your arm. In addition, there are several specific tests to determine if any increased motion, laxity, or sensations of instability are present.

Imaging including x-rays and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are frequently used to aid in management decision making. X-rays can help make sure that the shoulder is located within the socket and evaluate for any fractures. MRI can be used to determine if there are any injuries to the soft-tissues surrounding the shoulder, including the labrum. In cases of significant bone loss, sometimes a CT may be used to evaluate the remaingin bone stock. Based on all of the information gathered from the history, physical exam, and imaging, treatment options based on your goals and activity level can be discussed.