What Does a Dislocated Shoulder Look Like?

The shoulder joint is known as a ball and socket joint. This means that the top of the humerus ends in a ball-shaped structure that fits neatly into a cup, which is made out of cartilage. Surrounding the joint is a kind of fluid called synovial fluid, which helps cushion the bones. Because of the way this joint is set up, it allows for a full range of movement in all directions. However, this range of motion means that it's easier for the joint to become dislocated.

External Appearance

• A dislocated shoulder can usually be identified by a simple physical examination. The affected shoulder will often "droop" and the posture altered to help minimize movement. In addition, there will often be a small bump where the dislocated head of the humerus is making contact with the skin. This bump will be seen either in front of or behind the shoulder, depending on the direction of the dislocation.

Other Symptoms

• Dislocated shoulders are quite painful, so a patient who is suffering from one will generally complain of severe pain in the affected shoulder. He will have extreme difficulty in moving the arm without assistance and will exhibit a very limited range of motion.

X-Ray

• Normally, an X-ray of a shoulder will reveal the humerus to be directly aligned with the collarbone. Some of the labrum can also often be seen. In an X-ray of a dislocated shoulder, the alignment of the humerus will be off, causing it to either be higher or lower than the collarbone. In addition, the humerus may also laterally displaced.

MRI

• An MRI can also be used to visualize a dislocated shoulder. A normal MRI of a shoulder will allow for easy visualization of the entire labrum, as well as the fibrous capsule that helps hold the shoulder in place. A dislocated shoulder will show the humerus being out of the labrum, as well as possible tears to the labrum or any of the gleno-humeral ligaments (which are structures that give additional stability to the shoulder).

Dislocated Shoulder Treatment

• A final characteristic of a dislocated shoulder is the sudden cessation of pain once the arm is forced back into the joint. In the case of an anterior dislocation, the shoulder may be re-located by pressing the humerus hard toward the back, with the reverse working for a posterior dislocation. In addition, slowly moving the arm up and over the head may cause it to slip back into place, and the pain will be significantly alleviated.