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Specialty Care for a Dislocated Shoulder 

A dislocated shoulder occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone moves out of place in the shoulder socket. A shoulder dislocation can be forward, backward or downward. It can also be partially or completely separated. Any type of shoulder dislocation requires urgent medical care. If you have a shoulder dislocation, you should seek emergency treatment to prevent further damage to your shoulder joint.

At UPMC our team of orthopaedic providers are passionate about helping you live your best life, free of pain and discomfort.

Dislocated Shoulder Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a dislocated shoulder are severe pain, shoulder instability and deformity.

Additional symptoms may include:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Numbness and weakness in the arms and hands

For the right diagnosis of your symptoms, speak with a skilled orthopaedic doctor at UPMC.

Dislocated Shoulder Causes

The No. 1 cause of shoulder dislocation is a trauma, such as a blunt force injury or forceful twisting in the shoulder joint.

Common causes of shoulder dislocations include:

  • Direct blows to the shoulder
  • Injuries from contact sports
  • Falls from a height

For some people, shoulder dislocations are more likely because of a looseness in the ligaments (bands of connective tissue) that hold bones together at the shoulder joint.

Dislocated Shoulder Treatment at UPMC 

At UPMC, orthopaedic providers focus on placing the bone back into the right position and preventing future shoulder dislocations.

Initially, your doctor may attempt a reduction maneuver to move your shoulder joint back into place. During a reduction, your doctor will gently guide the bones into position. You’ll be given pain medicine and a sedative to help you feel more comfortable during this procedure.

Depending on the severity of your dislocation, shoulder surgery may be required in order to properly realign the joint. Surgery may be recommended if the ligaments in your shoulder have been damaged.

Once your shoulder has been positioned back into alignment, you’ll wear a brace or sling to help keep it from moving while it heals. Physical therapy will help strengthen the muscles around your shoulder joint and improve range of motion.

At UPMC experienced orthopaedic providers extend compassionate care and the latest therapies and treatments for shoulder dislocations in Williamsport, Wellsboro, and Muncy, PA.