Shoulder dislocation compensation from leading UK personal
injury solicitors
The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated major
joint of the body. In a typical case of a dislocated shoulder,
a strong force that pulls the shoulder outward (abduction)
or extreme rotation of the joint pops the ball of the humerus
out of the shoulder socket. Dislocation commonly occurs when
there is a backward pull on the arm that either catches the
muscles unprepared to resist or overwhelms the muscles. When
a shoulder dislocates frequently, the condition is referred
to as shoulder instability. A partial dislocation where the
upper arm bone is partially in and partially out of the socket
is called a subluxation.
What are the signs of a dislocation and how is it
diagnosed?
The shoulder can dislocate either forward, backward, or downward.
Not only does the arm appear out of position when the shoulder
dislocates, but the dislocation also produces pain. Muscle
spasms may increase the intensity of pain. Swelling, numbness,
weakness, and bruising are likely to develop. Problems seen
with a dislocated shoulder are tearing of the ligaments or
tendons reinforcing the joint capsule and, less commonly,
nerve damage. Doctors usually diagnose a dislocation by a
physical examination, and x-rays may be taken to confirm the
diagnosis and to rule out a related fracture.
How is a dislocated shoulder treated?
Doctors treat a dislocation by putting the ball of the humerus
back into the joint socket--a procedure called a reduction.
The arm is then immobilised in a sling or a device called
a shoulder immobiliser for several weeks. Usually the doctor
recommends resting the shoulder and applying ice three or
four times a day. After pain and swelling have been controlled,
the patient enters a rehabilitation program that includes
exercises to restore the range of motion of the shoulder and
strengthen the muscles to prevent future dislocations. These
exercises may progress from simple motion to the use of weights.
After treatment and recovery, a previously dislocated shoulder
may remain more susceptible to reinjury, especially in young,
active individuals. Ligaments may have been stretched or torn,
and the shoulder may tend to dislocate again. A shoulder that
dislocates severely or often, injuring surrounding tissues
or nerves, usually requires surgical repair to tighten stretched
ligaments or reattach torn ones.
Sometimes the doctor performs surgery through a tiny incision
into which a small scope (arthroscope) is inserted to observe
the inside of the joint. After this procedure, called arthroscopic
surgery, the shoulder is generally immobilised for about 6
weeks and full recovery takes several months. Arthroscopic
techniques involving the shoulder are relatively new and many
surgeons prefer to repair a recurrent dislocating shoulder
by the time-tested open surgery under direct vision. There
are usually fewer repeat dislocations and improved movement
following open surgery, but it may take a little longer to
regain motion.
Click below for information on:
How can The Claim Solicitors help?
The Claim Solicitors are one of the UK ’s leading
personal injury solicitor firms in the UK . We have dealt
with compensation claims for people who have been injured
in a variety of circumstances. We recognise that the practice
of law is a people orientated enterprise and that our approach
should be friendly but efficient. We also appreciate that
our success depends upon the success of our clients and upon
the expertise and approachability of our partners and staff.
If the accident that you have had was not your fault and
you have suffered a shoulder injury, you should consider making
a claim. Everyone is entitled to choose their own solicitor
to act for them. If your insurance company puts you in touch
with their recommended solicitor, you do not have to use them.
You are free to instruct The Claim Solicitors to help you
claim. With us there is no risk. Give us a call on 0800
197 32 32 or complete the form opposite and we will call
you back to discuss your claim.
