Quick Answer
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the upper-arm bone fully leaves the shoulder socket. Initial priorities are safe reduction, a neurovascular examination and assessment for associated fracture. Ongoing treatment depends on age, sport/work demands, recurrence, labral injury and bone loss.
Symptoms
- Sudden severe shoulder pain after injury
- Visible change in shoulder contour and inability to move the arm normally
- Muscle spasm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand may indicate nerve involvement
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
A dislocated shoulder requires urgent clinical assessment. Forceful self-reduction is not recommended because an associated fracture or neurovascular injury may be present. Circulation and nerve function are checked before and after reduction, and X-rays help assess direction of dislocation and fracture. MRI/MR arthrography or CT may be needed for recurrent instability or surgical planning, particularly to assess labral injury and bone loss.
Treatment
Nonsurgical Care After Reduction
After reduction, short-term sling use, pain control and progressive rehabilitation may be used. The goal is to restore motion and rotator-cuff/scapular control while reducing recurrent instability risk. One immobilization duration or rehabilitation protocol is not appropriate for every patient.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Recurrent dislocation or subluxation, persistent instability during sport or work, high-demand return goals, substantial labral injury or meaningful glenoid/humeral bone loss may lead to consideration of surgical stabilization. Planning should consider the direction of instability and the combined soft-tissue and bony injury rather than simply the number of previous dislocations.
Recovery and Return to Sport
Return to sport should not be based on time alone. Pain-free motion, strength, shoulder control, sport-specific testing and risk of recurrence are considered. Requirements for collision or overhead sport differ from those for daily activities or desk work.
When Is Emergency Care Needed?
Seek emergency care for a visibly dislocated shoulder, a cold or pale hand, reduced pulse, marked numbness or weakness, or a dislocation following high-energy trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a shoulder dislocate again?
Risk varies. Age, activity, labral injury and bone loss all influence recurrence, so individualized risk assessment is important.
Does a first dislocation always need surgery?
No. Many first-time dislocations are treated without surgery. Early surgical discussion may be appropriate for selected high-demand patients or when structural injury suggests a high recurrence risk.
Can I put the shoulder back myself?
This is not recommended. Forceful reduction without knowing whether a fracture or neurovascular injury is present can cause additional damage.
Sources
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Common Shoulder Injuries / Instability
- AAOS OrthoInfo — SLAP Tears and associated labral injury
This page is for general patient education and does not replace an individual medical examination or treatment plan.
Evidence sources checked: 7 August 2026.