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Conditions

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Shoulder Dislocation

Category:

Diagnosis:

Description:

Predictors:

Shoulder

Shoulder Dislocation (Glenohumeral)

Acute pain and deformity after trauma; requires reduction and immobilization then rehab.

Positive apprehension test; sense of shoulder out of place; traumatic mechanism; instability on exam.

Non-Operative

Therapy:

Light Activities:

Moderate Activities:

Reduction; sling; controlled ROM; rotator‑cuff & scapular strengthening; return‑to‑sport protocol.

2–4 weeks for basic ADLs

6–12 weeks (longer if recurrent)

Surgery

Surgery Probability:

Moderate–high in recurrent/young athletes

Indications:

Recovery to Light Activities:

Recovery to Moderate Activities:

Sucess Rates:

Complication Rates:

Recurrent dislocations; persistent instability; significant labral/bony injury.

Sling 2–4 weeks then light ADLs

4–6 months to sport/work

~85–95%

6–12 weeks (longer if recurrent)

Predictors:

~85–95%

Stiffness 5–10%; recurrence 5–10%

Helpful Devices

Shoulder Immobilizer Sling

Cold Therapy Shoulder Wrap

Wedge Pillow for Elevation

Resistance Bands Set

Reusable Cold Gel

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