WHAT IS A SHOULDER DISLOCATION?
A shoulder dislocation (or luxation) is a displacement of the shoulder joint. When the head of the humerus slips out of the joint, the lip of the joint (labrum glenoidale) is torn off with or without a piece of bone (Bankart lesion). The most common form of shoulder dislocation is a forward dislocation.
WHY DOES A SHOULDER DISLOCATION OCCUR?
The shoulder joint is the joint most often affected by dislocations because it is the most mobile. The labrum surrounds and stabilises the shoulder joint. If a part of it is torn off when the shoulder dislocates for the first time, a shoulder dislocation can occur again and again in the future, even without external force. A dislocation of the shoulder can have various causes. Common causes are accidents and sports injuries. Recurrent dislocations can also be due to a weakness of the capsule-ligament apparatus or muscle weakness despite rehabilitation.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
A shoulder dislocation usually causes severe pain, which can be accompanied by swelling. In addition, the mobility of the shoulder and arm is limited - depending on the form of the dislocation, the arm is often held in a typical protective posture. If dislocations occur repeatedly, the structures at the anterior lower joint socket become increasingly damaged, which can lead to loss of bone in this area and to instability of the shoulder. In addition, the risk of premature joint wear and arthrosis increases.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE?
The treatment of a shoulder dislocation can be conservative or surgical and is discussed in detail in my practice after the diagnosis has been made. In younger and athletic patients, surgical refixation is usually advisable in order to reduce the risk of further dislocations. The operation is performed arthroscopically. Physiotherapy is necessary afterwards. Older patients and those who are less active in sports can be treated conservatively by physiotherapists once the diagnosis has been made.
If you have any questions about the treatment of a shoulder dislocation, please do not hesitate to contact me at my practice.
