How to Diagnose and treat a dislocated shoulder

A dislocated shoulder involves movement of the ball of the humerus away from the ball and socket joint. Ninety-five percent of the time, it will come out anteriorly when an individual's arm is forcefully pushed backwards and rotated in such a way that the ligaments in the front of their shoulder tear and the ball will pop out the front of the shoulder. This is a very common injury seen in contact sports. Learn how to diagnose and treat a dislocated shoulder in this medical how-to video.

Take Action

Found in contact sports

Go to emergency room

Treat with physical therapy

About this Author

"Dr. O'Grady is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who treats musculoskeletal conditions resulting from injury, overuse and arthritis. He has a special interest in arthroscopy and has served as an instructor in arthroscopic surgery at multiple national orthopedic conferences. Dr. O'Grady earned his undergraduate degree in physics at Georgetown University, and then continued his studies in Washington, D.C. when he earned a seat at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. After receiving his Doctor of Medicine in 1997, Dr. O'Grady went on to complete his orthopedic training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Long Island, NY. He completed his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. After completing his residency, the United States Navy assigned Dr. O'Grady to the Pensacola Naval Hospital where he proudly served as an active duty orthopaedic surgeon for four years. training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Long Island, NY. He completed his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. After completing his residency, the United States Navy assigned Dr. O'Grady to the Pensacola Naval Hospital where he proudly served as an active duty orthopedic surgeon for four years. "