Shoulder Dislocation Treatment in Singapore
Shoulder dislocations are common injuries, especially among active individuals and athletes. This condition occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of its socket, leading to instability, swelling, difficulty moving the arm, and severe pain. Seeking prompt treatment and intervention for shoulder dislocation can help in restoring stability, reducing pain, and preventing future complications. At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, our specialised care focuses on advanced treatment tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The individual’s activity level and lifestyle can significantly affect the choice of treatment for shoulder dislocations.
Understanding Shoulder Dislocation
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) is displaced from its socket (glenoid), compromising shoulder stability. This can result from a fall, a direct blow to the shoulder, or forceful movements. Besides the initial pain and immobility, a dislocation may also damage surrounding tissues like ligaments, muscles, and bone, potentially affecting long-term shoulder function if inadequately treated.
Types of Shoulder Dislocations
A shoulder dislocation can occur in various directions depending on the force and mechanism of the injury. Understanding the types helps guide appropriate treatment:
- Anterior Dislocation: The most common type, where the humerus moves forward out of the socket.
- Posterior Dislocation: Less common, occurring when the humerus is pushed backward.
- Inferior Dislocation: Rare, involving downward displacement of the humerus.
Symptoms of Shoulder Dislocation
A dislocated shoulder causes intense discomfort and limits mobility significantly. Recognising the symptoms early helps in seeking prompt medical attention. Common symptoms include:
- Severe shoulder pain and visible deformity.
- Swelling and bruising around the joint.
- Severely limited range of motion and inability to move the shoulder.
- Tingling or numbness in the arm.
Causes of Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder dislocations often result from high-impact activities or accidents. Understanding the common causes can help prevent the injury. These include:
- Sports Injuries: Common in high-impact sports such as basketball, rugby, or skiing.
- Accidents or Falls: Direct trauma from falls or collisions.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Joint hypermobility or weak shoulder ligaments increase the risk.
Diagnosis of Shoulder Dislocation
Accurate diagnosis is the first step in determining the appropriate treatment for a shoulder dislocation. This includes a combination of physical examination and imaging tests.
Physical Examination:
The doctor will examine the shoulder for visible deformities, such as an outward displacement or irregular shape, and assess the range of motion to identify any loss of movement or pain.
Imaging Tests (X-ray and MRI):
X-rays are used to confirm the shoulder dislocation and rule out fractures or bone damage. An MRI may be performed to evaluate any soft tissue injuries such as ligament tears or damage to the rotator cuff, or to evaluate whether any soft tissue is blocking the shoulder from going back to its original position.
Treatment for acute Shoulder Dislocations
The immediate treatment for shoulder dislocations is to put the bone back within the joint. This is urgent and time-sensitive. Leaving the joint dislocated for longer causes more pain, continues to stretch the damaged tissues, and may affect the blood supply to the joint if dislocated for more than 48 hours. Immediate treatment involves the following: :
Reduction Procedure:
A manual manipulation technique is used to reposition the dislocated shoulder back into its proper socket. This procedure can be first attempted with the patient awake and the majority of cases manage to be reduced successfully. For cases where reduction in an awake patient is not successful, sedation (put the patient to sleep) may need to be used to manage pain and relax the muscles sufficiently to allow reduction.
Immobilisation:
Once the shoulder is relocated, a sling or brace is used to stabilize the shoulder and allow the tissues to stabilise during the recovery period. This is typically worn for one to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the dislocation.
Physical Therapy:
Once the shoulder has stabilised, physical therapy is initiated to help restore strength and mobility. A physical therapist will guide you through a gradual programme of exercises designed to rebuild muscle strength, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Dislocation
Many cases of shoulder dislocation only occurs once in the patient’s lifetime. However, many other cases do recur. Each dislocation also makes it easier to dislocate again subsequently. Surgery may be necessary in certain cases, particularly if the dislocation is recurrent or accompanied by other injuries. Surgery is considered when:
First-time Dislocations in young people:
As the risk of repeat dislocation is considered very high for patients below 25 years old, surgery to repair the damaged structures may be considered.
Recurrent Dislocations:
If the shoulder dislocates repeatedly, surgical intervention would likely be required to prevent future occurrences and further damage each time it dislocates.
Associated Injuries:
Injuries such as rotator cuff tears, fractures, or damage to ligaments may require surgery for proper healing.
In these cases, a variety of surgical procedures may be considered to address the damage of the condition and stabilise the shoulder joint. Common surgical procedures include:
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation:
Often referred to as keyhole surgery, this minimally invasive procedure involves using small incisions and a camera to repair damaged tissues or stabilise the shoulder joint. This is the type of treatment done for the vast majority of shoulder dislocation cases which require surgery.
Open Surgery:
Open surgery may be required only in complex cases with associated fractures, where an open incision is required to fix the fracture with implants.
Recovery After Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
Recovery time after shoulder dislocation treatment in Singapore varies depending on the severity of the injury. Here is a general timeline for the recovery process:
- 1–2 weeks: Initial recovery period focused on pain relief and swelling reduction. During this time, rest and ice may be recommended.
- 6–12 weeks: Full rehabilitation, which includes physiotherapy, to restore strength, mobility, and stability to the shoulder joint.
Tips for Faster Recovery
To ensure a smoother and quicker recovery, consider the following guidelines for your shoulder dislocation recovery in Singapore:
- Avoid High-Impact Activities: During the recovery period, refrain from engaging in activities that may put undue stress on the shoulder or increase the risk of re-injury.
- Stick to Rehabilitation Schedule: Consistently follow your physiotherapy and strengthening routine to gradually regain shoulder mobility and prevent future injuries. This helps in achieving long-term shoulder stability.
Choosing the Right Shoulder Dislocation Specialist
Selecting the right specialist is crucial for effective treatment and recovery from a shoulder dislocation. It’s important to consult a doctor in Singapore who has the experience and expertise to manage shoulder dislocation conditions. When choosing a healthcare provider for your condition, consider the following:
Expertise in both non-surgical and surgical treatments:
For shoulder dislocations, ensuring that all potential treatment options are available.
Access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies:
For accurate assessment and optimal care.
A personalised approach to care:
Tailoring your recovery plan to your specific needs and functional expectations for the best possible results.
At Centurion Orthopaedic Centre, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is committed to providing the highest level of care to help you recover from shoulder dislocation and return to your active lifestyle. As a trusted Orthopaedic specialist in Singapore, we offer comprehensive treatments for shoulder dislocation and related conditions. In addition to shoulder dislocation treatments, we also specialise in rotator cuff repair and arthritis treatment in Singapore, all designed with your long-term recovery in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
How long does it take to recover from a dislocated shoulder?
Recovery time for shoulder dislocation can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment method. Generally, initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks, with full rehabilitation and the return of strength and mobility requiring 6-12 weeks.
Can a shoulder dislocation heal without surgery?
Yes, many cases of shoulder dislocation can stabilise with non-surgical treatments, provided the shoulder is successfully put back into the proper place. Physical therapy for strengthening and mobility recovery is an important part of rehabiliation for shoulder dislocation.
What is the risk of recurrence after treatment?
If a shoulder dislocation is left untreated or not properly managed, there is an increased risk of recurrent dislocations. This is especially true for younger individuals (<25 years old) or those involved in contact sports, where the shoulder may be more susceptible to re-injury.
Is shoulder dislocation treatment covered by insurance?
Shoulder dislocation treatments can be covered by hospitalisation or Personal Accident insurances. It is advisable to contact your insurance company directly to confirm the specifics of your coverage and whether your treatment is included.