Dr Bryan Betty: Dislocated shoulders

This week Chris Woakes the English cricket batting star dislocated his shoulder in the England-India test, then yesterday came out to bat with a dislocated shoulder at number 11 to try and save the test! Very brave stuff!     What is a shoulder dislocation?   The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body.  It’s a ‘ball and socket’ joint, however sockets aren’t deep enough so the joint is supported by tendons and muscles.  Occasionally the ball can come completely out of the socket – a dislocation.  It can dislocate forward, which is common, or backwards, which is less common.    How do they happen and what are the signs?   Generally an accident that puts severe force on the shoulder can cause dislocation.   For example:   Falling from ladder and holding on it.   Collision in sport or falling onto an outstretched arm.   Car accidents.  Some people have very flexible shoulders and can dislocate with simple things like rolling over in bed, hanging out washing.   Effects: severe pain, unable to move the shoulder, occasional numbness down arm.  You can see the deformity – can see the ball out of the socket, bulging out.       What do we do about it?   See a doctor who will examine the shoulder.   An Xray to make sure it is not broken.   Then pop it back into place with light sedation or anaesthetic.   Then keep the arm in a sling for 1-2 weeks, avoiding lifting or using the shoulder for six weeks. It can take up to 3-4 months to fully heal.   Physio is often important to strengthen the shoulder and get moving.       Are there any complications?   You can fracture the shoulder.   Can tear cartilage (or lining) of the shoulder.   Sometimes the tendons and muscles supporting the shoulder tear – call this a rotator cuff tear.   Nerve damage can occur.   Sometimes requires surgery.   Can become recurrent and requires surgery to stop it popping out: orthopaedic surgeon.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.