Shoulder Dislocations

Dislocated shoulders are often painful and disabling when left untreated. In the United States, about 24 people in 100,000 experience these kinds of dislocations. In Lancaster, Ephrata, and Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, board-certified shoulder specialist Michael J. Bercik Jr., MD, offers conservative and surgical treatment options for shoulder dislocations. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What are shoulder dislocations?

Shoulder dislocations affect the socket of the shoulder joint, causing the humeral head to move entirely or partially out of place. The labrum may tear away from the joint, and muscles and ligaments often become damaged. Dr. Bercik offers personalized treatments for shoulder dislocations to fully restore the affected joint using innovative solutions. 

What are the symptoms of shoulder dislocations?

Shoulder dislocations may cause:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Shoulder deformities
• Shoulder joint pain
• Clicking or catching within the joint
• Shoulder joint instability
• Decreased joint mobility
• Inability to move the affected joint

These symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment can restore the joint’s structure and function, thereby easing shoulder discomfort.

What are the risk factors for shoulder dislocations?

A dislocated shoulder may develop because of a traumatic injury, such as twisting, a hit, or a fall. You might injure your shoulder in a car accident, playing contact sports, or having a physically demanding job. 

Re-injury is common after the first shoulder dislocation. While anyone may experience this type of injury, it’s most common among people in their teens and 20s who play contact sports.

How are shoulder dislocations diagnosed?

Diagnosing shoulder dislocations involves a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Dr. Bercik asks about any trauma or injuries that may have caused the dislocation. 

He examines your shoulder joint and might order X-rays, an MRI, or other imaging procedures to identify the severity of the dislocation and determine if you have additional injuries, such as muscle tearing, fractures, or ligament damage. Dr. Bercik tailors a treatment plan based on your diagnosis.

How are shoulder dislocations treated?

Treating shoulder dislocations may involve conservative treatments or minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Bercik uses cutting-edge surgical techniques to restore shoulder functioning and repair any ligament damage. Physical therapy is often necessary to regain maximum shoulder function, strength, and mobility. 

It’s also vital to eat nutritious foods, avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise until given the okay, and follow all post-care instructions. Take any medications as directed and call the office of Michael J. Bercik, Jr., MD, at any time with questions.

Schedule a shoulder dislocation evaluation at Michael J. Bercik, Jr., MD, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.