Dislocated shoulder

Description

An injury in which the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket.

Overview

A dislocated shoulder is an injury in which the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that's part of the shoulder blade. The shoulder is the body's most flexible joint, which makes it more likely to dislocate. A dislocated shoulder requires prompt medical care.

Symptoms

Symptoms include an out-of-place shoulder, swelling or bruising, intense pain, and an inability to move the joint. Shoulder dislocation also can cause numbness, weakness or tingling in the neck or down the arm.

Treatments

Treatments may include moving the bone back in place by hand, surgery, a splint or sling, pain relief medicines, and rehabilitation.