The treatment of dislocated shoulders is one of the oldest described, dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt. Methods of correcting the dislocation and preventing re-dislocation have changed since ancient times. With the advent of medications that both sedate a patient and relax muscles, most dislocations can be reduced in the emergency room without additional trauma to the patient.

The chance of repeat dislocation is increased in younger patients. For patients under 20, the recurrence rate is as high as 80%. This has led some physicians to recommend surgery even for first-time dislocations in select patients. Change in the understanding of an injury or its anatomy can result in a dramatic change in treatment. Arthroscopy has improved our understanding of the anatomy of the injured shoulder, which has led to a change in the treatment of first-time dislocators.

In the past, dislocations have been treated in shoulder immobilizers. It was felt that by holding the hand close to the body, the shoulder ligaments would heal in the optimal position. However, the arthroscope reveals that the critical tissues are really in the best position when the arm is immobilized in external rotation, that is with the arm at the side and the hand and forearm sticking out, as if to shake someone’s hand. Recent research suggests that redislocation, even in the younger age group, falls to almost 0% with this treatment.

We suggest that if you or one of your family suffer a first-time dislocation that you ask the doctor about the newer positions of treatment. This approach is now available and provided by the sports medicine doctors at M&M Orthopaedics.