Anterior shoulder dislocation: A boxer's nightmare

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. The ball, at the top of the humerus (upper arm), fits into a shallow socket called the glenoid which is part of the scapula (shoulder blade). This joint is very mobile but unstable. The ball is held into the socket by tissue that fits over the ball like a sock. This is reinforced by ligaments and muscles.

Know the facts :

Once you have dislocated your shoulder there is an increased chance that you will dislocate again. The younger you are the more likely you are to dislocate again.

Clinical signs that your shoulder is dislocated:

• Arm held by the side of body in external rotation.

• The shoulder loses its usual roundness. An anterior bulge may be seen in thinner patients. The humeral head is palpable in the front.

• Abduction and internal rotation are resisted.

• Extreme pain and tenderness in the shoulder region (Acute traumatic dislocation)

First time?

If this is the first time your shoulder has been dislocated, you must have probably needed a hospital visit to get your shoulder reduced.

The following are the things that you need to follow after your shoulder reduction:

• You must wear a sling. The length of time you are in the sling will be determined by your treating doctor or physiotherapist.

• Only remove the sling to perform elbow exercises or to attend to personal hygiene. When removing the sling it is important to keep your upper arm resting by your side. Do not lift your arm to clean under your armpit, you should lean forward and let your arm hang.

• Ice your shoulder for the first 48-72 hours. Ice is helpful for pain and swelling. Use ice packs for no longer than 20 minutes every 1-2 hours while awake. Make sure you have a damp cloth layer, such as a towel, between the ice and your skin.

• Take pain medication as instructed by your Emergency Department doctor and continue to speak with your local doctor or pharmacist about maintaining your pain relief.

• Exercises for your elbow and wrist are important to prevent any complications in these joints.