Shoulder dislocation is very common because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body (1). But how does a person dislocate their shoulder?
Forceful motions, such as a hit, can pull the bone out of place. Extreme rotation can also pop the humerus out of the socket. Strong forces can cause the soft tissue structures around the shoulder to tear or rupture, which can cause dislocation.
Source: (2)
General causes:
- Sports: You may dislocate your shoulder while playing a contract sports, like football and hockey, or a sport that involves falls, like downhill skiing of gymnastics.
- Traumatic non-sport injury (car accident): A hard hit to your shoulder may cause it to dislocate
-Falls: Dislocations are also common after falling or tripping
Some arm positions are also risky because the shoulder is more likely to become dislocated when the arm is a certain way. These positions include:
-Extreme rotation
-Abduction with extension
-Adducted with internal rotation
Source: (2)
General causes:
- Sports: You may dislocate your shoulder while playing a contract sports, like football and hockey, or a sport that involves falls, like downhill skiing of gymnastics.
- Traumatic non-sport injury (car accident): A hard hit to your shoulder may cause it to dislocate
-Falls: Dislocations are also common after falling or tripping
Some arm positions are also risky because the shoulder is more likely to become dislocated when the arm is a certain way. These positions include:
-Extreme rotation
-Abduction with extension
-Adducted with internal rotation
The young man pictured here has dislocated his shoulder
image: http://www.unchainedfitness.com/blog/reducing-dislocated-shoulders
What does a shoulder dislocation feel like?
Shoulder dislocation can be very painful. Patients will usually feel a sharp and sudden pain after a fall or a hit. It is very common for patients to try to hold their arm against their body for support.