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"Really nasty": The causes and consequences of dislocated shoulders

Author
Dr Bryan Betty,
Publish Date
Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 1:04pm
Photo / Getty
Photo / Getty

"Really nasty": The causes and consequences of dislocated shoulders

Author
Dr Bryan Betty,
Publish Date
Sat, 9 Aug 2025, 1:04pm

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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