The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the human body - it allows the arm to move in all possible directions. However, this functionality of the shoulder joint, which sets it apart from the others, makes it quite unstable and vulnerable to dislocations, dislocations and "dislocation" of the shoulder.
Usually this occurs in cases in which there is a dislocation of the humeral head from the scapular fossa under the influence of an external force. One of the reasons this happens is the difference between the congruency ( how well they fit together ) of the two joint surfaces, the humeral head and the scapular fossa.
A sprain can occur as a result of a variety of traumas - for example, a fall on an arm that is bent at the elbow. A dislocation can also be caused by a direct forceful blow to the shoulder. In summary, the impact of any external forces if they exceed the endurance of the tissues around the joint can lead to luxation.
However, more than 90% of shoulder dislocation cases are the result of trauma. In a small proportion of cases, dislocations are the result of routine activities (such as abruptly lifting or stretching the arm).
There are three main types of dislocations, depending on the direction of dislocation of the humeral head.
Anterior dislocation of the shoulder - in the case of anterior dislocation, the head of the humerus emerges from the socket forward - this is also the most common case of dislocation, observed in nearly 95% of cases. This type of injury can occur in sports injuries, and in older patients in a simple fall.
A posterior dislocation of the shoulder - in these cases the head of the humerus is displaced backwards. The shoulder can dislocate like this on a strong blow, delivered from the front, when falling on an outstretched arm.
Low shoulder dislocation - in these cases the head of the humerus is displaced downwards.
The most characteristic symptom of a dislocation is, of course, severe stabbing pain in the shoulder. Movement in the arm is severely restricted or impossible because of the pain and muscle spasms. The change in the contour of the shoulder is characteristic. In anterior dislocation, the shoulder takes on a characteristic edge shape. In posterior dislocation, the front of the injured shoulder appears unaccustomedly smoothed. If you feel an unusual hard lump in the shoulder area during trauma - this is actually the dislocated humeral head. In some cases, the dislocation may be accompanied by swelling, change in arm movement, stiffness, bruising and skin discoloration.
In the case of a sprain, your doctor will order an imaging radiograph to assess the severity and nature of the injury. The head of the humerus will then need to be moved back into its normal position.
With a dislocation, the head ends up outside the socket but remains attached to the chest and scapula muscles - they pull the head of the joint back towards the scapula and towards the chest. This is the cause of the stabbing pain in such an injury.
Repositioning is done by pulling the arm in the direction opposite to the action of the muscle. When the shoulder is displaced, a click is heard, after which the pain decreases. The shoulder is then immobilized with a bandage that is worn for two weeks to two months.
A control X-ray is taken to establish the correct position after the insertion.
In the recovery period, your doctor may recommend icing, as well as prescribe pain medication if the pain persists. The rehabilitation program includes a series of exercises to restore movement and strengthen the muscles.
