A dislocated shoulder may have the following symptoms:
- Out-of-place shoulder or visibly deformed shoulder
- Intense pain
- Swelling or bruising
- Inability to move the shoulder joint
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling near the site of injury
- Muscle spasm
- Physical examination: The doctor will check the patient physically in the emergency room and ask how the suspected shoulder dislocation occurred and if the patient has any history of a previous shoulder dislocation. The affected area will be checked for any deformity, tenderness, swelling, and signs of any blood vessel or nerve injury.
- X-rays: They help in detecting the presence of broken bones or any damage to the shoulder joint.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and computerized tomography (CT) scans: These are imaging tests performed to obtain clear images of the shoulder joint and may help in revealing any broken bones that may not be seen on an x-ray.
The various treatment methods for shoulder dislocation include:
1. Non-surgical treatment: The different types of non-surgical treatments include:
- Medications: A pain-relieving medication or muscle relaxants may help in providing relief while the shoulder heals.
- Closed reduction: Certain gentle maneuvers can help in moving the shoulder bones back into their position. Depending on the level of pain and swelling the patient may be having, the patient may be given a muscle relaxant, sedative, or general anesthesia (the patient is made unconscious) before moving the shoulder bones. Once the shoulder bones are back in their original position, the pain should improve immediately.
- Immobilization: Wearing a special sling or splint for a couple of weeks after closed reduction can prevent the shoulder from moving while it will heal.
- Rehabilitation: Once the sling or splint is no longer required, a rehabilitation program can help in restoring strength, range of motion, and stability of the shoulder joint.
2. Surgical treatment: Surgery may be required in cases with weak shoulder joints or ligaments having repeated shoulder dislocations despite rehabilitation and strengthening. Certain cases like damaged blood vessels or nerves may also need surgery. Surgical treatment will also reduce the risk of re-injury in the case of young athletes.
The surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, that is, the surgeon will create a few tiny incisions in the shoulder joint region and insert an arthroscope (a thin tube with light and camera on one end). The edges of the glenoid cavity (a shallow depression on the scapula into which the humerus head fits) are then trimmed and suture anchors (fixation devices for fixing the ligaments and tendons to the bone) are then attached to the detached labrum (a thick tissue piece attached to the shoulder socket rim that keeps the ball of the shoulder joint in place).
The different types of surgeries that can be performed to treat shoulder dislocation, depending on the location and severity of the shoulder injury, include:
- Bankart repair surgery: Recurrent shoulder dislocations can be treated by re-attaching the worn-out ligaments to their proper place in the shoulder joint.
- Capsular shift surgery: the joint capsule and ligaments are tightened in this procedure to stabilize the shoulder.
- Total shoulder replacement surgery or shoulder arthroscopy: The damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced using artificial implants in this procedure.
Untreated shoulder dislocation may lead to the following complications:
- Blood vessel damage
- Nerve damage
- Tearing of the ligaments, muscles, and tendons that reinforce the shoulder joint
- Tendinitis (tendon inflammation or irritation)
- Bursitis (inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac that aids in providing friction between the bones)
- Pain in the upper back and neck
- Interference with daily activities
- Instability in moving the arms in different directions
- More prone to repeated shoulder dislocations
- The complications associated with surgery performed to treat shoulder dislocation include:
- Nerve injury
- Wound infection
- Bleeding
- Allergic reaction to the anesthetic agent used
- Shoulder stiffness
- Poor attachment of the sutures
- Injury recurrence
- Rupture of shoulder repair
- Tear of the muscles around the shoulder joint (rotator cuff muscles)
- Low-quality anchors leading to long-term complications
The following are the post-procedure steps following surgery performed to treat shoulder dislocation:
- You may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two after surgery.
- You will be given painkillers and antibiotics to relieve your discomfort and prevent infection at the site of surgery.
- Physiotherapy exercises are recommended for at least one week after surgery.
- You will need to position your operated arm in an immobilizer sling for about four to six weeks after surgery.
- Avoid driving for four to six weeks after surgery.
- Avoid playing contact sports or lifting heavy objects for at least six months after surgery.
Home remedies:
The following home remedies may help ease any discomfort and encourage healing after shoulder dislocation treatment:
- Rest the shoulder and avoid painful movements
- Avoid heavy lifting or any overhead activity
- Apply an ice pack to reduce inflammation and pain for 15 to 20 minutes every couple of hours for the first day or two after surgery
- Apply heat after the initial one or two days of treatment
- Take pain-relieving medications
- Perform gentle exercises recommended by the doctor one or two days after treatment to maintain the range of motion of the shoulder joint
Prevention:
The following tips can help in preventing shoulder dislocation:
- Avoid falls and injuries
- Wear protective gear when playing contact sports
- Exercise regularly to maintain flexibility and strength in muscles and joints
Cost of shoulder dislocation treatment-
The cost of non-surgical methods to treat a shoulder dislocation varies between INR 2,000 to INR 15,000.
The cost of surgical methods to treat shoulder dislocation in Mumbai is between INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000.
The cost of surgical methods to treat shoulder dislocation in Delhi is between INR 65,000 to INR 95,000.
The cost of surgical methods to treat shoulder dislocation in Bangalore is between INR 65,000 to INR 95,000.
The cost of surgical methods to treat shoulder dislocation in Chennai is between INR 60,000 to INR 90,000.