Shoulder Dislocation

9 July 2025

Shoulder dislocation is the most frequently dislocated major joint. When the head of the humerus slips fully (dislocation) or partially (subluxation) out of the socket, the surrounding ligaments, labrum and rotator-cuff tendons can be stretched or torn, leaving the joint prone to further episodes—known collectively as shoulder instability.

At The New Foscote Hospital, Banbury, our consultant-led team provides rapid diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and one-site rehabilitation to help you regain confidence in your shoulder.

What Causes Shoulder Dislocation?

Traumatic injury – a fall onto an outstretched arm, direct tackle or awkward overhead movement is responsible for ≈ 90 % of first-time dislocations, most of which are anterior.en.wikipedia.org
Recurrent laxity – once the capsule or labrum is damaged it may heal lax, especially in younger, active patients, leading to repeat “slips”.
Hyper-mobility or connective-tissue conditions – looser ligaments mean the ball can move too freely.
Repetitive overhead sport – volleyball, swimming and tennis can gradually stretch the stabilising tissues.

Common Symptoms

Sudden, severe shoulder pain and visible deformity after injury
A feeling the joint is “about to pop out” during throwing or reaching
Weakness, clicking or catching sensations
Recurrent episodes of giving-way or partial subluxations
Numbness down the arm (occasionally from axillary-nerve stretch)

When To Seek Medical Advice

Attend A&E immediately after a suspected dislocation. Arrange a consultant assessment if you experience:

Persistent instability after your first event
More than one dislocation/subluxation
Night pain, weakness or apprehension affecting sport or work
Aged under 25 with a first-time traumatic dislocation (recurrence risk is higher in this group)

Early specialist input can prevent long-term damage such as Hill-Sachs or Bankart lesions.

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital

Consultant orthopaedic review – see one of our shoulder consultants without a wait.
On-site imaging – same-day X-ray, high-resolution ultrasound or MRI scanning to assess bone loss and soft-tissue injury.
Dynamic examination – tests such as the apprehension and relocation manoeuvres confirm functional instability.

Results are explained on the day, so your treatment can start immediately.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

Immobilisation & early physiotherapy – a short period in a sling (usually 2–3 weeks) followed by a progressive programme with our Physiotherapy team to restore stability and proprioception.

Activity modification & taping – temporarily avoiding high-risk positions while tissues heal.

Targeted steroid, PRP or hyaluronic-acid injections – to settle reactive bursitis and pain, supporting rehab.

Surgical

Arthroscopic Bankart repair – keyhole re-attachment of the torn labrum for anterior instability; success rates of 80–90 % are reported in appropriately selected patients.

Latarjet or bone-block procedure – for significant glenoid bone loss or failed previous repairs.

Capsular shift or plication – tightens a lax capsule in multi-directional instability.

Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

Consultant-delivered care from initial assessment to surgery.
Integrated pathway: imaging, day-case arthroscopy and physiotherapy all on one campus.
CQC-rated “Good” private hospital with modern theatres and ensuite rooms.
Personal patient-co-ordinators arrange convenient appointments and any necessary overnight stays.
Free on-site parking and easy access from Oxford, Warwick, Northampton and the Cotswolds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my shoulder dislocate again?
Recurrence varies with age and activity. In young males involved in contact sport the risk can exceed 40%, whereas in older patients it is closer to 20%. Early strengthening and, where appropriate, surgical stabilisation reduce that risk.

How long will I be in a sling?
Typically two to three weeks following a first-time dislocation or arthroscopic repair—but you will begin elbow, wrist and pendulum exercises immediately to prevent stiffness.

When can I return to sport?
For non-operative cases, light training often resumes at six weeks with a full return by three to four months. After surgical stabilisation, contact sport usually resumes around six months under physiotherapist guidance.