What causes a shoulder dislocation?

Common causes include sports injuries, falls onto the arm, or direct trauma. Previous dislocations increase the risk of recurrence.

How is a dislocated shoulder treated?

Initial treatment involves relocation, immobilisation, and physiotherapy. Surgery such as arthroscopic Bankart repair or Latarjet procedure may be recommended for recurrent dislocations.

How long does recovery take after shoulder dislocation?

Non-surgical recovery may take 2–3 months. After stabilisation surgery, return to contact sport is usually possible after 4–6 months.

What are the risks of repeated dislocations?

Repeated dislocations can cause further damage to the labrum, ligaments, and bone, leading to chronic instability and shoulder arthritis.

Shoulder Dislocation: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

A shoulder dislocation happens when the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) comes out of the socket (glenoid). Because the shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, it is also the most likely to dislocate. Prompt treatment is important to prevent long-term instability and repeat dislocations.

What Is a Shoulder Dislocation?

The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humeral head and the glenoid socket of the shoulder blade. When the ball slips completely out of the socket, it is a dislocation. If it only partially comes out, it is called a subluxation. Both can damage the capsule, labrum, and surrounding ligaments, leading to ongoing instability.

Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder

Sudden severe shoulder pain after an injury
Visible deformity — the shoulder looks out of place
Inability to move the arm
Swelling and bruising
Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

Causes and Risk Factors

Shoulder dislocations are usually caused by:

Sports injuries (AFL, rugby, basketball, volleyball)
Falls onto the arm or shoulder
Direct trauma such as motor vehicle accidents
Previous dislocations that weaken stabilising tissues

Young, active people — especially athletes — have the highest risk of recurrence after a first dislocation.

How Is Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosed?

Physical exam: Shoulder appears deformed, with loss of normal contour
X-ray: Confirms dislocation and rules out fractures
MRI: Identifies labral tears, ligament damage, or bone loss

Treatment Options

Immediate Care

Reduction (relocating the joint) performed by a trained doctor
Immobilisation in a sling for a short period
Pain relief and ice to reduce swelling

Non-Surgical Management

Physiotherapy to strengthen rotator cuff and stabilising muscles
Activity modification to avoid positions that risk redislocation
Bracing for athletes in some cases

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is often recommended for young, active patients or those with repeat dislocations. Options include:

Arthroscopic Bankart repair: Keyhole surgery reattaching the torn labrum
Capsular plication: Tightening of stretched ligaments
Latarjet procedure: Bone graft to restore stability when bone loss is present

Recovery After Shoulder Dislocation

Recovery depends on whether surgery is needed:

Non-surgical: Sling for 2–3 weeks, gradual physiotherapy, return to sport in 2–3 months (with risk of recurrence)
Surgical: Sling for 3–4 weeks, physiotherapy begins early, return to contact sport usually after 4–6 months

Risks and Complications

Recurrent dislocations, especially in young athletes
Damage to nerves or blood vessels (rare)
Rotator cuff tears (more common in older patients)
Long-term arthritis with repeated dislocations

When to See a Shoulder Specialist

If your shoulder has dislocated once, it is important to see a shoulder surgeon. Early treatment can reduce the risk of repeat dislocations and long-term joint damage.