Shoulder dislocation

The shoulder is the most versatile joint in the body, moving in many different directions. A sudden force to the shoulder, as from a collision, for example, can cause the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) to pop out of the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula).

• Shoulder dislocations are common for athletes in contact sports or sports that can involve lots of falling, such as gymnastics.
• Shoulder dislocations are common to accidents such as car crashes and falls.
• Once a shoulder is dislocated, it will be prone to further dislocations.
• Severe damage to the nerves, blood vessels, tendons and/or ligaments may require surgical repair.

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches shoulder dislocation

Because a dislocated shoulder is at risk for dislocating again, Children's will help your child strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint to help prevent future injuries. And if your child's shoulder is hurt too badly to be helped by conservative approaches, Children's surgeons will help restore stability and range of motion to your child's shoulder.