How to Overcome Glenohumeral Dislocation: A Complete Guide

Glenohumeral dislocation, often referred to as a shoulder dislocation, is one of the most common joint injuries, with the shoulder being the most frequently dislocated joint in the body. This injury occurs when the humeral head (the ball of the shoulder joint) is displaced from its socket in the scapula (the glenoid). While this may sound alarming, understanding the different types, causes, and treatment options can help you recover effectively.

What is Glenohumeral Dislocation?

The shoulder joint has an incredible range of motion, but this mobility comes with the cost of stability. Glenohumeral dislocation typically occurs when the joint is forced into an abnormal position due to trauma, such as a fall or sports injury. While there are three main types of shoulder dislocations—anterior, posterior, and inferior—about 90-98% of shoulder dislocations are anterior dislocations. In these cases, the humeral head moves forward and out of the socket.

Types of Glenohumeral Dislocation:

Anterior Dislocation: The most common type (90-98%), where the humeral head moves forward. It can be further subclassified into subcoracoid, subglenoid, subclavicular, and intrathoracic types. Subcoracoid and subglenoid types are the most frequent.
Posterior Dislocation: Less common, occurring when a force drives the humeral head backward. Posterior dislocations account for only 2-4% of shoulder dislocations and are often missed in diagnosis.
Inferior Dislocation: This rare form accounts for less than 1% of dislocations and is usually associated with brachial plexus injuries. These dislocations are often severe and require immediate medical attention.

What Causes Glenohumeral Dislocation?

The most common cause of a shoulder dislocation is a traumatic event, such as:

Sports Injuries: Activities like football, rugby, and wrestling often involve collisions or awkward falls, which increase the risk of dislocation.
Falls: Falling onto an outstretched arm can cause excessive external rotation or abduction, leading to dislocation.
Repetitive Movements: In some cases, overhead throwing motions or weightlifting can contribute to instability in the shoulder joint, especially in athletes.

Other factors, such as age, the presence of previous shoulder injuries, or weakened muscles around the joint, may increase the risk of experiencing a dislocation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Glenohumeral Dislocation

If you’ve dislocated your shoulder, the symptoms are typically immediate and obvious. Here’s what to expect:

Pain: Intense, sharp pain in the shoulder, especially when attempting to move the arm.
Deformity: A visible deformity may occur, such as a bulging of the humeral head, especially in anterior dislocations.
Inability to Move the Arm: The affected arm is often held in place, with reluctance to move due to pain.
Muscle Spasms: Following dislocation, muscle spasms often develop around the shoulder area.
Nerve or Vascular Injuries: In some cases, especially with inferior dislocations, damage to nerves such as the axillary or radial nerve can cause numbness or weakness in the arm.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately to reduce the dislocation and prevent further injury.

Diagnosing Glenohumeral Dislocation

If a dislocation is suspected, your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Radiographs (X-rays) are essential, especially for traumatic dislocations, to ensure there are no fractures associated with the injury. Specific views like the AP, lateral “Y”, and axillary views can provide a clear picture of the shoulder’s structure.

For patients with recurrent dislocations or severe cases, an MRI may be recommended to check for associated injuries, like torn ligaments, rotator cuff damage, or labral tears.

Treatment Options for Glenohumeral Dislocation

The treatment of glenohumeral dislocation typically follows two main stages: Reduction and Rehabilitation.

1. Reduction (Getting the Shoulder Back into Place)

Reducing the dislocated shoulder involves carefully guiding the humeral head back into the glenoid socket. This process is often done through:

Closed Reduction: Involves non-surgical manipulation to guide the shoulder back into place. This can be done using various methods like self-reduction, counter traction, or gravity method.
General Anesthesia: If the dislocation is not easily reduced or if there’s a significant muscle spasm, general anesthesia may be required to facilitate the process.

2. Post-Reduction Management

After the shoulder has been properly reduced:

Immobilization: A sling is typically worn for 3-4 weeks to allow the ligaments and soft tissues to heal.
Physical Therapy: Once the initial pain subsides, gentle range-of-motion exercises are introduced, followed by strengthening exercises to stabilize the shoulder and reduce the risk of future dislocations.
Surgical Intervention: If the shoulder dislocation is recurrent or accompanied by significant damage to the joint (e.g., fractures or torn ligaments), surgical intervention may be necessary. In such cases, arthroscopic stabilization procedures or open surgery may be performed.

Preventing Glenohumeral Dislocation

While you can’t entirely eliminate the risk of dislocating your shoulder, certain steps can reduce the likelihood of future injuries:

Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder stabilizing muscles to support the joint.
Proprioception and Balance Training: Exercises that improve shoulder stability and coordination can help prevent dislocations, especially in athletes.
Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that involve excessive or improper overhead motion can reduce the risk of shoulder dislocations, particularly in those with previous injuries.

Glenohumeral dislocation is a common injury, particularly among athletes involved in contact sports or activities that require extensive overhead movements. Understanding the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options can help you manage the condition effectively. With proper reduction, rehabilitation, and preventive measures, most people can return to their normal activities without further issues. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a tailored treatment plan and follow their advice for a successful recovery.

NEW PATIENTS

Step 1

Call today to schedule your convenient appointment.

Step 2

Pre-register your important health information on your phone or computer to save time.

Step 3

Meet your new doctor for a customized plan and start moving toward your goal!

Discover how we may help!

We are the Memphis area’s top-rated chiropractic group, providing you with gentle chiropractic care, dry needle therapy, exercise therapy, and therapeutic massage.

2845 Summer Oaks Dr, Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Life Shouldn't Hurt!

You Deserve To Feel Great. We Can Help!
Your go-to Chiropractor in Memphis, TN

Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
J. Colby Poston, DC
Daniel H. Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Monday – Friday:
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday :
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Walk-ins are Welcome!