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.
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