Shoulder Dislocation and Its Link to Bone Inflammation

Q: Shoulder Dislocation and Its Link to Bone Inflammation

Hello： You mentioned that there is no history of injury to your right shoulder, which likely means there has been no direct trauma such as a collision. <br>Shoulder dislocations can be classified as acute or chronic. <br>Patients with chronic dislocations often have a history of

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Hello, Doctor! I have a question I would like to ask you.
I have been experiencing a persistent condition where my right shoulder frequently dislocates habitually.
Even with a slight incorrect posture, it dislocates naturally, and that moment is really painful! However, after a while, it naturally returns to place, but it continues to hurt for several days afterward.
I would like to ask the doctor what could be causing this! Additionally, last year I went to the Taichung Military Hospital for a diagnosis, and the doctor said it was "shoulder impingement." What does shoulder impingement mean? The doctor also mentioned that it could be due to my ligaments being too loose! I have not had any injuries to my right shoulder in the past.
That's all, thank you!

Anjie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/18

Dr. Shi Qiming reply Orthopedics

Hello: You mentioned that there is no history of injury to your right shoulder, which likely means there has been no direct trauma such as a collision.
Shoulder dislocations can be classified as acute or chronic.
Patients with chronic dislocations often have a history of ligament tears or have experienced significant stretching of the ligaments, leading to ligament laxity and joint instability, which can further result in chronic dislocation of the joint.
Your habitual dislocation is likely classified as chronic dislocation.
It is recommended that you visit our hospital to consult with Dr.
Chuang Yong-Ching, a specialist in sports injuries, for further evaluation and treatment to prevent additional injuries that could lead to joint damage, necessitating a total joint replacement.
Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2004/10/18

More Info

Shoulder dislocation is a common injury that can occur due to various reasons, including trauma, repetitive stress, or inherent anatomical issues. In your case, experiencing habitual dislocations of the right shoulder suggests that there may be underlying factors contributing to this instability.
One of the primary causes of recurrent shoulder dislocations is ligamentous laxity, which means that the ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint are too loose. This can lead to the humeral head (the ball of the shoulder joint) slipping out of the glenoid cavity (the socket) more easily, especially during certain movements or positions. If your doctor mentioned that your ligaments might be too lax, this could explain why your shoulder dislocates with minimal provocation.

Another potential factor is the presence of inflammation in the shoulder joint, which can occur due to conditions such as bursitis or tendinitis. Inflammation can lead to swelling and pain, which may further compromise the stability of the joint. The term "bone inflammation" you mentioned could refer to osteitis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the bone or surrounding soft tissues. This inflammation can result from repetitive use, overexertion, or even previous injuries that may not have been significant enough to cause immediate symptoms but have led to chronic issues over time.

In your case, the recurrent dislocations and the pain you experience afterward could be indicative of a condition known as "shoulder instability." This condition can be classified into two types: traumatic and atraumatic. Traumatic instability often follows a specific injury, while atraumatic instability is more related to inherent laxity of the ligaments. Given that you have not experienced any significant injuries, your situation may lean more towards atraumatic instability.

The pain you feel after a dislocation is likely due to the trauma to the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When the shoulder dislocates, these structures can be stretched or torn, leading to inflammation and pain as the body attempts to heal.

To address your concerns, it is essential to consult with an orthopedic specialist who can perform a thorough evaluation, including physical examinations and imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays. These assessments can help determine the extent of any ligamentous laxity, inflammation, or other structural issues within the shoulder joint.

Treatment options for shoulder instability can vary based on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical approaches may include physical therapy focused on strengthening the rotator cuff and stabilizing muscles around the shoulder. This can help improve joint stability and reduce the frequency of dislocations. In some cases, if conservative measures fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or tighten the ligaments and restore stability to the joint.

In summary, recurrent shoulder dislocations can be caused by ligamentous laxity, inflammation, or a combination of both. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a medical professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Understanding the underlying causes of your shoulder instability will be key to finding an effective treatment plan and preventing future dislocations.

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