The shoulder joint is formed by the head of the humerus and the articular cavity of the shoulder blade. This joint is one of the most mobile in the body, but due to this mobility, the risk of its dislocation (loss of the head of the bone from the articular cavity) increases with physical impact or due to pathological processes.
Types of dislocation of the shoulder joint
Injuries are of the following types:
- Primary shoulder dislocation - arose for the first time, usually as a result of trauma.
- A habitual dislocation is a repeated or often occurring dislocation of one joint. Usually occurs due to pathologies and instability of the joint with relatively small loads.
- Older dislocation - occurs if the primary or habitual dislocation is not corrected for a long time.
- Semislice, or partial dislocation. Occurs with incomplete loss of the head of the bone from the joint cavity, or if the incomplete dislocation of the dislocation occurs, the capsule falls between the articular surfaces.
In the direction in which the bone has shifted, the dislocations of the shoulder joint are divided into anterior (most common type of injury), posterior and lower. In addition, it is not unusual for mixed dislocations, when the bone is displaced in several directions.
Symptoms of a dislocation of the shoulder joint
To find out that the shoulder is dislocated, it is possible by such signs:
- Sharp pain in the shoulder, especially with fresh dislocations. With chronic dislocations, pain can be unstable and insignificant.
- Visible deformation of the joint, bulging of the bone.
- Edema and limitation of joint mobility.
- Numbness, impaired sensation in the arm.
Treatment of dislocation of the shoulder joint
At home, the treatment of dislocation of the shoulder joint is not carried out, since it is difficult to fix it, in addition, with such a trauma, the probability of damage to the ligaments and the joint capsule is great. The first help to the injured person is to impose a fixative bandage to immobilize the joint, and apply ice to reduce swelling, after which you need to contact the hospital.
Primary dislocations usually correct. The procedure is performed with anesthesia, and most often under anesthesia , to maximize muscle relaxation.
Habitual and chronic dislocations require an operation on the shoulder joint, to restore its normal mobility. Normal dislocation in this case does not help, because the likelihood of its reappearance is too high even with insignificant loads.
Rehabilitation after a dislocation of the shoulder joint
Restoration of the shoulder after a dislocation can take from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the method of its treatment. After repositioning, an immobilizing bandage or orthosis is applied to the shoulder for up to 3 weeks. This period is intended for the restoration of damaged tissues, the fusion of muscle fibers and ligaments. After this, the shoulder is carefully developed with the help of special gymnastics. Physiotherapy methods are also used.
Immediately after repositioning or surgery, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.