shoulder-dislocation

Comprehensive care for recurrent shoulder instability

By Dr Rahul Singh (MS, DNB, MRCS)

Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow

What is a Shoulder Dislocation?

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body—this mobility also makes it the most commonly dislocated joint. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) pops out of the socket (glenoid). In most cases, the dislocation is anterior (forward), but it can also occur posteriorly or inferiorly depending on the injury.

Once the shoulder dislocates, the supporting structures—ligaments, labrum, and capsule—can stretch or tear, increasing the risk of repeated dislocations, especially in young and active individuals.

Common Causes

Shoulder dislocation may result from:

  • A fall on an outstretched hand
  • Sports injuries (football, kabaddi, basketball, wrestling)
  • Road traffic accidents
  • Sudden twisting or pulling of the arm
  • Previous instability or weak shoulder musculature

Young athletes are particularly prone to recurrent dislocation, especially after the first traumatic event.

Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation

Patients often experience:

  • Sudden, intense shoulder pain
  • Visible deformity or “shoulder looks out of place”
  • Inability to move the arm
  • Swelling, bruising, or muscle spasm
  • Numbness or tingling down the arm in severe cases

A dislocated shoulder should be evaluated and reduced (put back into place) as early as possible.

Diagnosis at Our Clinic

At Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, evaluation includes:

  • Thorough clinical examination
  • X-rays to confirm the direction of dislocation and rule out fractures
  • MRI or CT scans (if needed) to assess labral tears, cartilage injury, or bone loss

Dr Rahul Singh uses advanced imaging and arthroscopic assessment to plan the most effective treatment.

Treatment Options
1. Immediate Management
  • Closed reduction (putting the shoulder back in place) under supervision
  • Arm sling for short-term immobilisation
  • Ice, pain control, and gentle early physiotherapy
2. Non-Surgical Treatment

Suitable for first-time dislocations in older or less active patients:

  • Rest and early motion exercises
  • Strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular muscles
  • Activity modification

However, younger patients (especially <25 years) often face high recurrence rates and may benefit from early surgical stabilisation.

3. Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation (Bankart Repair)

If the labrum or capsule is torn—and instability persists—arthroscopic repair is recommended.

Benefits

  • Keyhole procedure with minimal scarring
  • Restoration of labrum, ligament, and capsule function
  • Reduced recurrence rate
  • Faster recovery and return to sports
  • Highly precise repair using suture anchors

full movement of shoulder following 6 weeks after arthroscopic stabilization For bone loss or severe instability, procedures like Latarjet surgery may be considered.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Successful treatment depends on structured rehabilitation:

  • 0–3 weeks: Sling support; passive movements begin
  • 3–6 weeks: Gradual active motion
  • 6–12 weeks: Strengthening exercises
  • 3–6 months: Return to sports and overhead activities

Our clinic provides customised physiotherapy protocols to ensure stable and long-term shoulder function.

Why Choose Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic?
  • Specialist expertise in shoulder instability and arthroscopic repair
  • Tailored treatment plans for athletes and active individuals
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging
  • Comprehensive physiotherapy support
  • High success rates with arthroscopic stabilisation
Regain Confidence & Shoulder Stability

If you experience repeated shoulder slipping, pain, or weakness, early evaluation can prevent long-term damage.

Book your consultation with Dr Rahul Singh at Grammont Shoulder & Knee Clinic, Lucknow, and take the first step towards a stable, pain-free shoulder.