Shoulder Dislocations & Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Injury Symptoms & Treatment
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Are there any complications with shoulder dislocations?

Some possible complications can be (1) temporary or permanent damage to nearby nerves or major blood vessels, causing numbness, coldness and paleness. (2) Excessive internal bleeding. (3) Shock or loss of consciousness.(4) Recurrent dislocations, particularly if the previous dislocation is not healed completely. Most recurrent dislocations are anterior (forward) dislocations caused by unhealed injuries to shoulder ligaments or congenital abnormalities of the glenohumeral joint.

What treatment should I use for a shoulder dislocation?

Keep the person warm with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock. Cut away clothing if possible, but don't move the injured area to remove clothing. Untrained persons should not attempt to reposition a dislocated shoulder. Immobilize the neck, dislocated shoulder and elbow with padded splints or a sling. Some supplemental first aids are the "R.I.C.E." instructions: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (if possible). Doctors will manipulate the dislocated bones to return them to their normal positions. Manipulation should be done within 6 hours of the injury, if possible. After that time, internal bleeding and displacements of body fluids may lead to shock. Also, many tissues lose their elasticity and become difficult to return to their normal positions. Relocating a dislocated shoulder may require general anesthesia. It is helpful, as continuing care, to use an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day for 20 minutes at a time. Place ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in a moist towel, and place it over the injured area. After the first 72 hours, application of localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use heat lamps, hot baths, showers, heating pads or heat liniments and ointments. Take whirlpool treatments, if available. Exercise all muscle groups not immobilized in a cast or sling. Muscle contractions promote alignment and hasten healing. Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

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