According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, once a shoulder has been dislocated once, it is more prone to future episodes of dislocation. The term for repeated shoulder dislocation is chronic shoulder instability. It is more common than one might think as the American Academy of Family Physicians reports that the shoulder is the most unstable joint in the entire body. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the signs of reinjury of a dislocated shoulder.
Shoulder Pain or Tenderness
When someone has a reinjury of a dislocated shoulder, one of the first symptoms he will notice is pain and tenderness in and around the shoulder joint. This tenderness is usually located toward the front of the joint. This will be especially obvious when a physician performs what is called the apprehension test, wherein the shoulder is pushed forward slightly and rotated. If this movement causes shoulder pain, chances are the shoulder has been dislocated again.
Positive Relocation Test
Immediately after a painful apprehension test, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends the physician perform what is called a relocation test. The person is placed on her back, and the physician gently pushes the arm down while rotating it slightly. If the pain disappears, reinjury of a dislocated shoulder is the probable diagnosis.
Shoulder "Dimple"
When a shoulder has been dislocated, whether it is the first time or whether it is a repeat dislocation, there is often an obvious gap between the head of the humerus (the "ball" portion of the joint) and the glenoid fossa (the "socket" portion of the joint). This gap is most visible when the person is sitting without his arm supported. If the gap cannot be seen visually, it can usually be felt by placing a finger right where the joint should meet. Often one or more fingertips can be usually placed between the two bones.
"Loose" Feeling Shoulder
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, a common symptom of reinjury of a dislocated shoulder is a feeling of a "loose" shoulder, or of the arm dangling without as much control. The dislocated shoulder will feel looser or more unstable than the other shoulder. This may happen gradually or suddenly, depending on how the reinjury took place.
Difficulty Moving the Arm
Shoulder weakness is another sign of reinjury of a dislocated shoulder. Because a dislocated shoulder is not as stable, it will often be harder to move. When a shoulder is unstable or dislocates repeatedly, the ligaments can become overstretched. This makes the shoulder muscles more difficult to control and can make the joint feel suddenly weaker. The arm may also feel heavier than normal.
Unusual Arm Position
A person with a reinjury of a dislocated shoulder often holds her arm in a certain position without thinking about it. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the arm is usually positioned slightly away from the body (abducted) and rotated outward (external rotation), so the thumb is pointing farther away from the body. This arm will look different when compared to the other arm.
