The terms dislocation and separation are oftentimes used interchangeably when talking about shoulder injuries, but it’s important to realize they actually describe two different injuries with their own set of treatments. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the mechanism of injury for shoulder dislocations and separations, and we explain how Dr. Holloway can help you treat both conditions.
Shoulder Dislocation Vs. Shoulder Separation
To better understand the difference between the two injuries, it’s first helpful to learn more about the anatomy of the shoulder. Your shoulder is comprised of three bones:
- The humerus (arm bone)
- The clavicle (collar bone)
- The scapula (shoulder blade)
These three bones are connected by soft tissues in order to form two key joints, the glenohumeral joint and the acromioclavicular joint. When a dislocation occurs, it’s the glenohumeral joint that’s affected, and a shoulder separation involves damage to the acromioclavicular joint. Let’s take a look at the injuries to both of these joints in the shoulder:
Glenohumeral Shoulder Dislocations
The glenohumeral joint is the most mobile joint in the body, but this increased mobility also means that the joint is less stable. During a dislocation, the head of the humerus partially or fully dislodges from the shoulder socket, known as the glenoid. Oftentimes this dislocation also results in damage to soft tissues that help to hold the ball and socket joint in place. Dislocated shoulders should be treated by a shoulder specialist who can ensure the humeral head gets back to the correct location and so that damage to the stabilizing tissues can be addressed.
Common treatments for shoulder dislocations include immobilization in the form of a sling, over-the-counter pain medications and physical therapy to help regain stability, strength and range of motion in the joint. Physical therapy is also helpful in preventing future dislocations. If dislocations become recurrent, or the first dislocation results in severe tissue damage, an arthroscopic surgery to address the damaged structures and stabilize the shoulder joint may be necessary.
Shoulder Separations
Your acromioclavicular joint is formed by the clavicle and the acromion of the scapula, and a separation occurs when this area is exposed to significant trauma, causing damage to the ligament between these two bones. A separation can typically be identified by a visible bump on top of the shoulder (this is the separated clavicle) while the shoulder itself slouches or droops. Aside from these visual cues, shoulder separations oftentimes present with pain, range of motion restrictions and discomfort when moving your arms.
Shoulder separations can typically be treated effectively with conservative methods. Immobilization with the help of a sling, icing and over-the-counter pain medications can all help to decrease pain and swelling. Gentle exercise and physical therapy can then be introduced to help the shoulder regain its normal range of motion. Over the course of a couple weeks, these techniques usually lead to complete healing, although if a significant deformity is present, a minimally invasive corrective procedure may be necessary.
Now you know the difference between a shoulder dislocation and a separation, and if you suspect that you’re dealing with either injury, make an appointment with Dr. Holloway. He can help put your shoulder pain in the past. For more information, contact his office today at (865) 410-7887.
