Dislocation of the Shoulder

Who does this affect? There are two main groups, young athletes, and older patients often following a fall.

Symptoms In young patients, the lining of the shoulder joint becomes torn. This is the Bankart lesion. It often does not heal back correctly and is a weak spot, resulting in easier and easier dislocations. In older patients, it is more usual for the rotator cuff to tear, again often making the shoulder weak.

Investigations Specific scans e.g. MRI or CT are sometimes used in younger patients. In older patients it is more likely that an MRI or ultrasound scan would be undertaken to assess the tear.

Non Surgical Treatment First-time young dislocators are treated with a special (Itoi) brace and physiotherapy in order to reduce the chances of further dislocations.

Surgical Treatment Should dislocation occur twice or more, surgery is then recommended to re-attach the torn lining. If there is a repairable tear to the cuff, then early surgery is recommended.