A shoulder dislocation occurs when a forceful blow knocks the upper end of the arm bone out of the socket it rests in at the shoulder. The shoulder is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, according to The Children's Hospital, and active children, especially those involved in sports, might experience this type of injury. Prompt medical treatment is important after a shoulder dislocation.
Causes
A blow to the arm or shoulder can cause the shoulder to become dislocated. These injuries often occur during contact sports, such as football, basketball, wrestling and hockey, according to The Children's Hospital. Falls from playground equipment and falls that occur during activities such as skiing can also create enough impact to dislocate a child's shoulder.
Symptoms
The shoulder area often becomes painful, warm and swollen following a dislocation. The child might find it difficult to move the arm, and it might feel numb. Sometimes you can see the deformity just by looking at the shoulder, and the area often looks bruised or red.
Treatment
Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your child has dislocated her shoulder. Encourage the child not to move the joint, and immobilize the arm with a splint if possible. To reduce swelling, apply ice to the shoulder on the way to the hospital or while you wait for help to arrive, recommends the Mayo Clinic. At the hospital, a doctor might have to sedate the child and place the joint back into the correct position. A sling can then keep the arm immobilized while it heals, and physical therapy might be needed when the splint is removed. Occasionally, surgery is needed to repair the ligaments.
Considerations
After a child suffers from a dislocated shoulder, he might have a high risk of dislocating the joint again, according to The Children's Hospital. If the shoulder becomes dislocated a second time, surgical repair of the area could prevent future dislocations.
Warning
Do not try to pop a dislocated shoulder back into place yourself because that could cause further damage. To prevent further injury after a shoulder dislocation, have your child follow the physical therapy regimen his doctor orders, and have him avoid any activities that the doctor has deemed unsafe during the healing process.
