Dislocated Shoulder Treatment in Orange County

Shoulder Orthopedic Doctors Ready to Help You

If your shoulder has moved out of its joint, you’ve sustained either a partial or complete dislocation of the shoulder. As the human body’s most mobile joint that allows the arms to move in many directions, the unfortunate drawback is how easy it is to dislocate the shoulder, especially for those who are very physically active.

If you suspect you have dislocated your shoulder, it’s important to seek urgent medical care. Do not attempt to pop your shoulder back into place, as this can cause more harm than good, and it may actually make the joint more unstable and prone to repeat dislocations. When the shoulder dislocates, the outer rim of the glenoid (called the labrum) is often injured too. Damage also occurs to the ligaments and capsule that normally hold the shoulder in place. Labral tears can also occur when the shoulder slides partially out of the joint.

Have I Dislocated My Shoulder?

If you believe you have a dislocated shoulder, don’t move the affected arm, but keep it close to the body. Do not have someone attempt to jam the shoulder back into its socket, as this can cause damage to the inner tissues. As you wait for medical treatment, apply an ice pack to the injured area to ease swelling and reduce pain, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) painkillers for pain. If your symptoms follow the list below, you should go to the hospital or to an orthopedic urgent care for prompt treatment.

Dislocated shoulder symptoms include:

Sudden, excruciating pain
A visibly deformed out-of-place shoulder
Swelling causing immobility of the arm
Numbness, tingling, sometimes including the neck, arms or fingers
Bruising or redness
Muscle spasms that may worsen pain
Weakness

Dislocated Shoulder Diagnosis

Upon your arrival at the hospital or orthopedic urgent care facility, you will receive a full physical exam where your shoulder doctor will ask how the dislocation likely occurred, and if you have previously dislocated a shoulder. Your doctor may order a variety of imaging tests to detect the degree of dislocation and if the inner soft tissues have been damaged, as well. Most likely, your doctor will order X-rays, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, or a computerized-tomography (CT) scan, to reveal any bone fractures the X-ray did not detect.

Find a Shoulder Care Doctor

Do I Need to See a Doctor for a Dislocated Shoulder?

You may think a dislocated shoulder can be self-treated by simply “popping” your shoulder back into place. However, this can cause more harm than good, and lead to chronic shoulder instability and repeated future shoulder dislocations. An orthopedist can carefully manipulate your shoulder to put the ball of your upper arm bone back into its ball-and-socket joint in a process known as a closed reduction, or if you need more extensive treatment, your orthopedist will determine the correct treatment to help reduce your pain.

Do you need treatment for a dislocated shoulder? Contact Hoag Orthopedic Institute today at (949) 890-0464 to find an expert shoulder surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

At your first visit, you’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic shoulder specialist who will take time to understand the symptoms you have, as well as your concerns and goals. Your appointment will begin with a thorough review of your medical history and any relevant imaging or test results you have. Your shoulder doctor will perform a focused physical exam to assess your joint stability, range of motion, and areas of pain or weakness.
If additional information is needed, tests such as X-rays, an ultrasound, or an MRI can be arranged on-site. You’ll then discuss the most likely causes of your symptoms and consider both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Before you leave, your shoulder specialist will outline a personalized plan for the next steps, so you are informed and feel supported and confident in your care.
To schedule your consultation with an experienced shoulder doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, call (949) 890-0464 or complete our secure online request form. We’ll connect you with the orthopedic shoulder specialist best suited to your needs and help arrange any imaging or records in advance, so you can quickly access the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options.
Our award-winning team of orthopedic shoulder doctors offers a full spectrum of treatments to address everything from minor strains to complex joint damage. Our non-surgical care may include targeted physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, bracing for added stability, and image-guided injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
When surgery is your most effective option, our shoulder surgeons perform procedures such as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, fracture fixation, and total or reverse shoulder replacement. Many of these surgeries incorporate advanced robotic-assisted technology, allowing for precise implant positioning, secure joint reconstruction, and improved functional outcomes.
We tailor your treatment plan to your specific condition and goals, helping you heal, regain strength, and return to the activities that matter most to you.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder doctors and orthopedic shoulder surgeons brings world-class expertise to diagnosing and treating your injury or condition. Our shoulder specialists use advanced treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies to highly complex shoulder surgery performed with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Using robotic technology, our shoulder surgeons perform highly accurate implant placement and stable joint reconstruction, while better protecting surrounding tissue, improving function, and promoting a smoother recovery.
Whether you’re suffering from a sports injury, degenerative arthritis, or a complex rotator cuff tear, we personalize your care to your specific needs and goals. Our orthopedic shoulder specialists apply leading-edge techniques with one clear purpose—to help you move comfortably again and return to the activities you enjoy.

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