Definition- Displacement of the humerus (upper-arm bone) from it's socket in the shoulder joint.  A forward displacement of the humerus is the most common type of shoulder dislocation.

Body Parts Involved-

• Shoulder joint
• Humerus
• Soft tissues surrounding the dislocation, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and blood vessels.

• Excruciating pain at the time of the injury.
• Loss of function of the dislocated shoulder joint and severe pain when attempting to move it.
• Visible deformity if the dislocated bones lock in the dislocated position.  If not then no deformity will be seen, but damage remains the same.
• Tenderness over the dislocation.
• Swelling and bruising at injury site.
• Numbness or paralysis in the arm.

• Build strength and muscle tone with a long-term conditioning program.
• Warm up adequately before physical activity.

• Temporary or permanent damage to nearby nerves or major blood vessels, causing numbness, coldness and paleness.
• Excessive internal bleeding.
• Shock or loss of consciousness.
• Recurrent dislocations.

First Aid-

• Keep the person warm with blankets to decrease the possibility of shock.
• DO NOT attempt to reposition a dislocated shoulder, immobilize it until proper health care can be administered.
• Follow instructions for R.I.C.E

• General anesthesia or muscle relaxants to make joint manipulation possible.
• Aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve moderate pain.
• Narcotic pain relievers for severe pain.