The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The shoulder becomes dislocated when the ball, which is the top of the arm bone, moves out of the socket, which is a portion of the shoulder blade. Shoulder dislocation injuries are classified as anterior, posterior, or inferior dislocations.
Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
The anterior dislocation is by far the most common type, accounting for about 95% of all shoulder dislocation injuries. This injury occurs when the top of the humerus, which is the long bone in the upper arm, moves forward and pops out of the socket. This typically happens as a result of a direct blow to an outstretched arm. For example, if you fall onto an outstretched arm, you may hit the ground hard enough to push the humerus forward and suffer an anterior shoulder dislocation.
Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
About 2 to 4% of all shoulder dislocation injuries are posterior dislocations. This type of dislocation occurs when the top of the humerus moves back and pops out of the socket.
Falling can cause a posterior shoulder dislocation injury if you hit the front of your shoulder when you land on the ground. It’s also possible to sustain this type of injury after having a seizure or going into shock.
Inferior Shoulder Dislocation
The rarest type of shoulder dislocation injury is the inferior dislocation. An inferior dislocation occurs when the top of the humerus is pushed downwards. This can happen in a fall, car accident, or any other type of situation where a powerful force is applied to the top of the shoulder.
Sadly, this type of injury often leads to serious complications. The humerus can damage tendons and ligaments as it is forced down, which can make this injury even more painful and lead to a longer recovery.
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
The first step in treating shoulder dislocation injuries is moving the humerus bone back into the socket. This is usually done manually by a doctor. But, your treatment is not over once the humerus bone is back in the socket. You will also need to wear a sling and go to physical therapy to regain strength and motion in your shoulder. It typically takes four to six weeks to fully recover from this injury, but you may need more time if you experience complications.
Have you dislocated your shoulder in an accident? If so, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from experienced attorney Martin Gasparian right away. Mr. Gasparian will handle every aspect of your personal injury claim so you can focus your energy on your recovery. Schedule a free consultation regarding your case by calling 559-203-3333 or submitting your information at MaisonLaw.com.
