Dislocated Shoulder

Dislocated Shoulder Care Near You in New Jersey

A dislocated shoulder is one of the most painful injuries you can experience. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it prone to dislocation. When it goes out, getting it treated correctly the first time is crucial to help reduce the chances of it happening again. Interventional Spine & Surgery Group has multiple locations near you in New Jersey, providing fast access to treatment for orthopedic injuries and conditions. Learn how our orthopedic team evaluates and treats shoulder dislocations and other shoulder conditions.

Key Takeaways

A dislocated shoulder happens when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the shoulder socket (glenoid).
It is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, with anterior dislocation accounting for most dislocations.
Falls and contact sports are the most common causes of shoulder dislocation.
Treatment requires professional reduction (manipulating the shoulder back into proper position), with some cases requiring surgery.
Recurrence is a major concern, particularly in younger, active patients.
Interventional Spine & Surgery Group provides expert shoulder care in multiple locations across New Jersey.

What Should You Understand About Dislocated Shoulders?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball, or the rounded top of the humerus, sits inside a shallow socket in the shoulder blade. Surrounding that socket is a ring of cartilage called the labrum, along with a network of ligaments that hold the joint together. When a strong enough force disrupts that stability, the ball is forced out of the pocket entirely. Shoulder dislocations are classified by direction:

Anterior: The ball shifts forward out of the socket. This is the most common type, accounting for over 90% of cases. It typically results from a fall on an outstretched arm or a forceful blow with the arm raised.
Posterior: The ball shifts backward. While less common, it is easier to miss on initial imaging. It can occur during a seizure, electrocution, or direct blows to the front of the shoulder.
Inferior: This is when the arm is forced downward below the socket. While rare, it’s often associated with significant soft tissue and neurovascular damage.

Dislocations can also cause secondary injuries, including rotator cuff tears. These injuries are why getting treatment for your dislocated shoulder is essential.

What Are Common Causes of Shoulder Dislocations?

All shoulder dislocations are caused by trauma. The most common causes include:

Falls on an outstretched arm or directly onto the shoulder
Contact upon collisions, including football, rugby, hockey, and wrestling
High-energy trauma from motor vehicle accidents or cycling crashes
Overhead arm positions from throwing, swimming, or racket sports
Seizures and electrical shock, which cause forceful muscle contractions

Once a shoulder is dislocated, the tendons and ligaments that hold it in place are often damaged. This damage makes recurring dislocations a major concern.

What Factors Contribute to an Increased Risk of Shoulder Dislocations?

Several factors can increase your risk of dislocating your shoulder, including:

Age: Young men between the ages of 15 and 30 are disproportionately affected.
Activity level: Those who participate in contact or overhead sports are more likely to dislocate their shoulders.
Prior dislocation: Recurrence rates exceed 50% of the general population, with teenagers having a higher rate.
Existing conditions: Having hypermobile joints, stretchy ligaments, or a shallow shoulder socket can increase your risk.
Occupation: Jobs that involve overhead work or physical labor put you at a higher risk of dislocating your shoulder.

The recurrence risk is highest in younger patients who return to sport without addressing the underlying instability. If you’ve dislocated your shoulder, talk to your doctor about what may have caused the dislocation.

When Should You Seek Care for an Injured Shoulder?

If you dislocate your shoulder, you’ll know almost immediately. You’ll notice:

Sudden, severe shoulder pain
Visible deformity
Swelling
Bruising
Weakness
Limited range of motion
Shoulder instability
Muscle spasms
Numbness or tingling
Arm weakness

A shoulder dislocation requires immediate medical attention. Don’t attempt to pop the shoulder back into the socket by yourself or with anyone else. Doing so can cause additional damage to the bone, blood vessels, or nerves. Go directly to an emergency room to be evaluated by an orthopedist.

How Do You Diagnose a Dislocated Shoulder?

Unlike some fractures, it’s usually easy to diagnose a dislocated shoulder by looking at it. However, your doctor will still order imaging. Imaging, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, helps your doctor determine if there are any other injuries before they attempt a reduction.

At Interventional Spine & Surgery Group, we’ll perform a physical exam before ordering any images. This allows us to look at your shoulder’s position, check for tenderness at the joint, test sensation in your arm and hand, and evaluate circulation. After reduction, we’ll order a second set of X-rays. This helps us confirm that your shoulder is in the right place and helps us identify whether there are any additional fractures.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Many first-time shoulder dislocations can be treated without surgery, particularly when your shoulder instability is mild and there is minimal damage to the surrounding ligaments, nerves, and tendons. It’s also usually the best approach for older, less active adults.

The first step is a reduction procedure, in which your doctor will carefully guide the shoulder back into its proper position.

After reduction, your treatment may include:

Sling immobilization
Ice and swelling control
Pain medication
Anti-inflammatory medication
Activity modification
Physical therapy
Strengthening exercises

Rehab also plays a major role in your recovery. Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles surrounding your shoulder, which helps stabilize the joint. This process may focus on restoring your range of motion, improving your posture, reducing your stiffness, and preventing future dislocations.

Surgical Treatment

Some shoulder dislocations cause significant structural damage or lead to ongoing instability. In these cases, surgery may help restore your shoulder’s stability and reduce the risk of repeated dislocations. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have:

Recurrent shoulder dislocations
Significant labral tears
Rotator cuff tears
Bone loss
Persistent instability

The most common procedure is arthroscopic Bankart repair. This minimally invasive surgery reattaches the torn labrum to the rim of the shoulder socket using small anchors. If you have significant bone loss in your socket, you may need an open procedure called a Latarjet procedure. This allows your doctor to rebuild your socket rim.

Why Choose Interventional Spine & Surgery Group?

At Interventional Spine & Surgery Group, you get more than a single specialist. You also get a coordinated medical team made up of orthopedic surgeons, pain management physicians, physiatrists, chiropractors, physical therapists, and neurosurgeons who collaborate to manage the full scope of your injury. We prioritize fast access to patient-centered care, helping you get the treatment you need quickly.

Dr. Sean Lager is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine. He brings deep expertise in shoulder instability, arthroscopic surgery, and sports-related trauma in adolescents, adults, and elite athletes.

As a former competitive athlete who has been through surgery himself, he connects with patients
differently than most surgeons. He understands the frustration of being sidelined, the fear of re-injury,
and the importance of a realistic return-to-sport plan. His approach is direct, and he provides:

A clear explanation of the diagnosis
An honest conversation about your options
A treatment plan built around your goals

He prioritizes arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques whenever the evidence supports them. He
stays current through annual surgical workshops focused on the latest advances in shoulder stabilization
and reconstruction.

Find Dislocated Shoulder Treatment Near You in New Jersey

Whether this is your first dislocation or a recurring problem, you deserve a care plan that addresses the root causes, not just the immediate injury. Chronic instability is preventable with the right treatment. Don’t wait for your next dislocated shoulder to act. With nine convenient locations near you throughout north and central New Jersey, Interventional Spine & Surgery Group is here to help you feel better. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dislocated Shoulders

What is the difference between a dislocated shoulder and a separated shoulder?

A dislocated shoulder involves the ball of the humerus coming out of the shoulder socket. A separated shoulder is an injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade.

Can I put my dislocated shoulder back in place myself?

No. Attempting self-reduction has serious risks, including breaking the head of the humerus, tearing soft tissue, and damaging nerves.

How likely is my shoulder to dislocate again?

Recurrence is common, especially for younger patients. The risk of recurrence decreases with age.

How long will my shoulder be in a sling?

Most patients wear a sling for one to four weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and their age. If you have surgery, you may need to wear a sling for four to six weeks.

Is surgery always required for a dislocated shoulder?

Not always. Many first-time dislocations, especially in less active, older adults, can be managed with reduction, immobilization, and rehab.

When do I need surgery for a dislocated shoulder?

You’ll need surgery if there’s damage to additional ligaments, significant bone loss, or if you want to minimize the risk of re-injury.

Is a dislocated shoulder an emergency?

Yes. A shoulder dislocation should be evaluated as soon as possible to prevent complications, such as nerve damage.

What happens during shoulder reduction?

During reduction, a trained medical provider carefully guides the dislocated shoulder back into its proper position.