How is a dislocation and traumatic shoulder instability diagnosed?
As a rule, a sudden dislocation is quite evident. The patient usually holds the arm against the side, since any attempts at motion cause pain. A large crease under the acromion and a bulge in the armpit are clues to the direction of the dislocation. However, when the shoulder spontaneously relocates into its proper position, the diagnosis can be more difficult. Patients may only report the feeling of having the shoulder “slip” before the spontaneous reduction occurred. A qualified individual usually can relocate the humerus at the site of the injury occurrence. Once the reduction is performed, there is immediate pain relief. Without medications, some patients may be unable to relax the shoulder muscles enough to allow the reduction to take place. Often, these patients must go to the emergency department to get the reduction accomplished. • X-rays are usually taken to confirm the dislocation, its direction, and to check for a related fracture. After the reduction, follow up X-rays will
