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Dislocated Shoulder

Manhattan Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Midtown Manhattan, New York, Astoria, & Brooklyn, NY

Your shoulder can turn in a range of directions, and this mobility makes the shoulder more susceptible to dislocation. If you dislocate your shoulder, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Edmond Cleeman, MD, at Manhattan Orthopedics, with locations in Midtown Manhattan as well as in Astoria and Brooklyn in New York, can put your shoulder back in place and provide treatment to reduce your risk of a recurrence. Call your nearest New York City office or request an appointment online today.

Dislocated Shoulder Q & A

What is a dislocated shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder is an injury in which the ball of the shoulder joint of your upper arm pops out of the socket. The dislocation can be a partial dislocation (subluxation) or a complete dislocation. In either case, your dislocated shoulder is likely to cause severe pain and limited function. 

The shoulder joint is the joint dislocated most frequently due to its ability to move in many directions. An extreme rotation or blow to the joint may cause the bones to dislodge. 

The dislocation also stretches the soft tissue surrounding your shoulder, which may complicate your recovery and increase your risk of a recurrence.

What are the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder causes intense pain. You may also experience swelling, numbness, and weakness in the tissue that surrounds your shoulder, including your neck and arm. Your dislocated shoulder also causes a deformity that makes the condition difficult to ignore. 

If you’ve dislocated your shoulder, Dr. Cleeman examines it and provides the expert care you need for a full recovery. To assess the degree of damage and direct your treatment, Dr. Cleeman may also request X-rays and an MRI.

What are the treatments for a dislocated shoulder?

Treatment for your dislocated shoulder depends on the severity of the damage. Dr. Cleeman may first put your ball and socket joint back in their proper position, which is referred to as a closed reduction. Medication may be provided before the closed reduction to reduce your discomfort.

If you’ve damaged the ligaments or experience recurrent dislocations, Dr. Cleeman may recommend surgery to repair the damage. He repairs shoulder injuries using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. 

Arthroscopy uses a surgical camera that allows Dr. Cleeman to assess the damage in your shoulder joint without the need for a large incision. He inserts tiny surgical instruments through additional small incisions to perform the procedures needed to improve shoulder stability. 

You may need to keep your shoulder immobilized for a few weeks following your closed reduction or surgery. Once your shoulder heals, Dr. Cleeman provides you with exercises to strengthen your arm and shoulder muscles and restore mobility. Physical therapy may also be recommended.

A dislocated shoulder requires proper care to ensure healing and prevent a recurrence. Call Manhattan Orthopedics or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation today.

This website and content contained herein (including articles, blogs, images, text, graphics, videos, etc.) is not designed to, and does not, provide medical advice. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment but is for general informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition or treatment options. Never rely on information in this website in place of seeking medical advice and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you may have read. If you think you may have a medical emergency you should seek immediate medical treatment. The practice does not endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions or other information that may be mentioned in this website.

 

 


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