What is shoulder dislocation?

When the upper arm comes out of the shoulder socket, it is called a dislocated shoulder.

After the doctor puts the shoulder back in place, the doctor may put your child's arm in a sling or brace to keep it from moving.

Exercise and physical therapy can help the shoulder strengthen and move normally again. You can help your child get better with rest and home treatment.

If the shoulder keeps coming out of place, talk to your doctor about surgery. It can prevent dislocations.

Your child may have had a sedative to help them relax. Your child may be unsteady after having sedation. It may take a few hours for the medicine's effects to wear off. Common side effects of sedation include nausea, vomiting, and feeling sleepy or cranky.

The doctor has checked your child carefully. But problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

You could have pain, swelling, or numbness in your arm. You might have trouble moving your arm. You might notice that your arm hangs at a different angle or that your arm looks out of place at the shoulder.

Your doctor will put your shoulder back into place. Your arm will be in a sling while it heals. You may have physical therapy to get back motion and strength in your shoulder. You might need surgery to repair tissue or nerve damage or if your shoulder keeps coming out of place.

Your doctor will do a physical exam. The doctor will also ask how you hurt your shoulder. You might be asked to describe your pain or other problems you have with your shoulder. You will likely have an X-ray to find out if your shoulder is out of place.

• If your doctor put your child's arm in a sling or shoulder immobilizer, make sure your child wears it as directed.
• Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your child's shoulder for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• You may use warm packs after the first 3 days for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This can ease pain.
• If your doctor gave your child exercises to do at home, help your child do them exactly as your doctor told you.
• Do not let your child do anything that makes the pain worse.

A shoulder most often comes out of place because of an accident. For example, it could happen with a fall or a blow to the shoulder.

When the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder socket, it is called a dislocated shoulder. It can cause pain and swelling. And it can keep your shoulder from working right. Treatment can help prevent more shoulder damage and help your shoulder heal so it can move normally again.