FAQs
Shoulder Dislocation
What is dislocation of the How long should you wear Dr Marcus Chia shoulder? a sling after dislocating SHOULDER & ELBOW SURGEON The shoulder is one of the most mobile joints your shoulder? MBBS (Hons) BAppSc (Physio) FRACS (Orth) FAOrthA in the body. It is made up of three bones: the There is no benefit of conventional sling humerus (arm bone), the scapula (shoulder immobilisation for longer than one week. blade) and the clavicle (collar bone). The joint Furthermore, external rotation immobilisers made by the humeral head (top of the arm are not beneficial to reduce the risk of future bone) and the glenoid (part of the shoulder shoulder dislocation. blade) is typically referred to as the shoulder joint or the glenohumeral joint. It is considered How long does it take to recover a ball and socket joint and allows for a large degree of mobility. When the shoulder is from a dislocated shoulder? dislocated, the ball and socket of the shoulder It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to resume normal joint become separated. The shoulder can day to day activities following a shoulder dislocate forwards, backwards or downwards. dislocation. Initial treatment consists of rest, ice, immobilisation in a sling and physiotherapy. What is subluxation of the Return to sport is allowed once symmetrical shoulder? strength and range of motion is achieved. A shoulder subluxation is a partial or temporary What is the risk of redislocation? dislocation of the shoulder joint. Redislocation risk is dependent on age and activity level. Recurrence rates as high as 90% What are the symptoms of a have been reported in young athletes involved dislocated shoulder? in contact sports, compared with a 10% The symptoms associated with a shoulder recurrence rate in those over the age of dislocation include: 40 years. The major risk of dislocation over • a ‘popping’ sensation the age of 40 years is tears of the rotator cuff. • pain • numbness and tingling in the fingers When is surgery needed for a or a ‘dead arm’ feeling dislocated shoulder? • difficulty or inability to move the arm • deformity or abnormal appearance Patients with repeat dislocation usually require of the shoulder surgery. Other indications for surgery include irreducible dislocations, fractures and rotator T. (02) 8014 4252 cuff tears. F. (02) 8072 0595 E. [email protected] drmarcuschia.com