Shoulder subluxation.

A shoulder subluxation (or shoulder dislocation) is a condition in which the bone of the upper arm (shoulder) comes out of the joint socket of the shoulder joint. This is a serious injury and causes a disruption in the normal position of the joint, resulting in pain and limited shoulder mobility.

Causes of shoulder subluxation:

• Trauma: The most common cause of shoulder subluxation is trauma, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, a blow to the shoulder area, or sports injuries.
• Joint hypermobility: Some people have joints that are more mobile and less stable, which can increase the risk of subluxation.

Symptoms of shoulder subluxation:

• Sharp pain in the shoulder area.
• Limitation of shoulder mobility.
• Weakness in the upper extremity.
• Visible changes in the position of the shoulder, such as bone protrusion or unnatural positioning of the arm.

Diagnosis of shoulder subluxation:

The diagnosis of shoulder subluxation can be made based on the physician's clinical examination and radiographs. Radiography can be used to determine the exact position of the bones and to rule out fractures.

Treatment of shoulder subluxation:

• Manual repair: The doctor may try to return the bone to its normal position by manual intervention.
• Immobilization: After recovery, the joint may be fixed with a cast or splint to hold the correct position.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help restore mobility and strength to the shoulder joint.
• Surgery: In rare cases, if the subluxation cannot be repaired with conservative methods or if there are other complications, surgery may be required.

Prediction:

Prognosis depends on many factors, including the severity of the subluxation, the presence of associated injuries, and the timeliness of treatment. With timely and properly administered treatment, most people regain full mobility and functionality of the shoulder joint. However, some cases may require a long rehabilitation period and may leave residual symptoms.

Causes of the shoulder subluxation

This condition can occur due to a variety of reasons:

1. Trauma: One of the most common triggers is trauma, which can include a fall on an outstretched arm, a blow to the shoulder or arm area, a car accident, etc.
2. Stretched and torn ligaments: Injury or stretching of the ligaments around the shoulder joint can cause subluxation.
3. Joint hypermobility: In some people, the shoulder joint may be more mobile (hypermobile), which increases the risk of subluxation.
4. Genetic predisposition: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to joint subluxations.
5. Osteoarthritis: Long-term osteoarthritis or degenerative changes in the shoulder joint may increase the risk of subluxation.
6. Recent surgery: Some shoulder surgeries can increase the risk of developing a subluxation.
7. Irregular muscle contractions: Uncontrolled muscle contractions around a joint can cause it to move out of position.

Symptoms of the shoulder subluxation

Symptoms of shoulder subluxation may include the following:

1. Pain: Pain is usually felt in the shoulder area and can be sharp, sharp, intense. It may be worse with arm movement and when trying to lift or rotate the shoulder.
2. Limitation of motion: A subluxation can cause a limitation of motion in the shoulder. The patient may have difficulty raising the arm above the head, turning the arm, or performing other movements.
3. Swellingand bruising: Swelling and bruising may occur at the site of a subluxation due to damage to soft tissue and blood vessels.
4. Weakness: A subluxation can lead to a feeling of weakness in the shoulder due to a disruption in the normal function of the joint.
5. Crunchingand cracking: A crunching or cracking sound may be heard when the shoulder is moved or when trying to bring the head of the humerus back into place.
6. Deformity: In some cases, especially with significant subluxations, there may be an unnatural-looking deformity of the shoulder.
7. Pain on touch: The site of a subluxation may be painful on touch.

Subluxation of the shoulder joint in a child

This is a serious condition that requires medical attention. In this case, as in adults, the upper arm bone (shoulder) comes out of the joint socket of the shoulder joint. In children, this can happen after an injury, a fall, or during active play and sports.

If your child suspects a shoulder subluxation, you should see a doctor or go to the nearest medical center immediately. Never attempt to try to repair the joint yourself, as this may cause further damage.

Diagnosis and treatment will be done by a doctor. Usually, after confirming the diagnosis with x-rays or other examination methods, the doctor will perform a procedure to repair the shoulder joint, such as a manual repair. The shoulder is then fixed with a cast, splint, or other special device to prevent the shoulder from dislocating again.

Children have distinctive growth and developmental patterns, so it is important to see a doctor specializing in pediatric trauma or orthopedics to ensure proper treatment and recovery monitoring. In most cases, children have a good prognosis for recovery of shoulder function after a subluxation, provided timely and adequate treatment is provided.

Complications and consequences

Shoulder subluxation, also known as shoulder dislocation, can cause a variety of complications and problems, including:

1. Pain and discomfort: After a shoulder subluxation, there may be intense pain and discomfort, especially when trying to move the shoulder.
2. Limitation of movement: A dislocated shoulder can lead to limited movement in the shoulder joint. This can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and activities.
3. Inflammation and swelling: Inflammation and swelling can develop in the soft tissues around the joint after a subluxation. This can cause additional pain and discomfort.
4. Circulatory and nerve damage: In some cases, shoulder subluxation can damage the blood vessels and nerves that run near the shoulder joint. This can cause decreased sensation and impaired circulation in the arm.
5. Recurrent dislocations: After a first shoulder subluxation, the risk of recurrent dislocations increases, especially if the joint structures have been damaged or not properly repaired.
6. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis: Damage to the articular surfaces or articular cartilage after a subluxation can contribute to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint. This can lead to pain and restricted movement in the long term.
7. Shoulder Muscle Disorder: A shoulder subluxation can lead to impaired shoulder muscle function and uneven loading on the joint, which can cause imbalance and additional problems with movement and stability.

Diagnostics of the shoulder subluxation

Diagnosing a shoulder subluxation (dislocation) involves several steps and medical procedures to accurately identify the condition and assess the severity of the injury. Below are the basic steps to diagnosing a shoulder subluxation:

1. Clinical Examination: The physician begins the diagnosis with a thorough clinical examination of the patient. He evaluates the shoulder area, notices visible changes (if any) in the position of the humerus and arm, and interviews the patient about the nature of the pain, injury, and other symptoms.
2. History: The doctor will take a history, which includes questions about the patient's medical history and the circumstances of the injury. This helps determine how the subluxation occurred and what the associated injuries may have been.
3. X-rays: X-rays are usually taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact position of the bones. X-rays allow the doctor to see possible bone misalignments or deformities and to rule out fractures.
4. Additional tests: In some cases, additional tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasound (ultrasound) may be needed to get more detailed information about the lesions and soft tissues.
5. Functional Assessment: The doctor may also assess the functionality of the shoulder joint by testing the mobility and strength of the shoulder limb. This helps determine how the injury affects the functionality of the shoulder.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of shoulder subluxation involves identifying and distinguishing this condition from other medical problems that may mimic or accompany shoulder subluxation. Here are a few conditions to consider in the differential diagnosis:

1. Clavicle fracture: A clavicle fracture can mimic the symptoms of a shoulder subluxation because it is accompanied by shoulder pain and restricted movement. X-rays may help in making the diagnosis.
2. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint: Degenerative changes in the shoulder joint can cause pain and limitation of motion, which can be similar to the symptoms of a subluxation. Usually, a medical specimen and x-rays can help differentiate between these conditions.
3. Tendinitis or bursitis of the shoulder joint: Inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) or mucosal sacs (bursitis) in the shoulder joint area can cause pain and discomfort that may resemble the symptoms of a subluxation.
4. Brachial nerve neuropathy: A lesion of the brachial nerve can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder area, which can be similar to the symptoms of a subluxation.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthropathies: Inflammatory joint diseases can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint, which can be similar to the symptoms of a subluxation.
6. Other injuries or damage: Other traumatic conditions such as sprained or torn tendons, damage to neighboring structures, and other conditions are possible.

Treatment of the shoulder subluxation

Treatment of shoulder subluxation involves several steps and can be carried out as follows:

1. Diagnosis: A doctor will examine the patient, including a physical examination and medical history, to establish a diagnosis of shoulder subluxation. Sometimes radiographs or other educational techniques may be required to determine the extent of the subluxation and its characteristics.
2. Anesthesia: To reduce pain and relax the muscles, your doctor may anesthetize the site of the subluxation.
3. Repositioning: This step is performed by a medical professional. The doctor gently restores the head of the humerus to its normal position in the joint. This process can be painful, so anesthesia may help reduce discomfort.
4. Immobilization: After the joint is repositioned, the shoulder may need to be temporarily fixed with a splint or bandage to prevent a recurrence of the subluxation and to ensure stability of the joint. Sometimes a special tourniquet (cast) is worn for several weeks.
5. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: After the joint is repositioned, it is important to begin rehabilitation and physical therapy. A physical therapist helps restore strength and mobility to the shoulder, as well as preventing adhesions and strengthening the surrounding muscles and tendons.
6. Treatment of pain and inflammation: If recommended by your doctor, anti-inflammatory medications or analgesics may be used to relieve pain and inflammation.
7. Adherence to recommendations: The patient should follow the doctor's recommendations for shoulder care, perform exercises, and follow rehabilitation to restore functionality to the joint.