Dislocated Shoulder

Diagnosis

Symptoms of a dislocated shoulder include:

• pain, often severe
• instability and weakness in the shoulder area
• inability to move the shoulder
• swelling
• bruising
• shoulder contour appears abnormal
• numbness around the shoulder or in the arm or fingers

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred, and examine the injured area. Diagnosis is based on the physical exam of your shoulder area. Tests may include x-rays to rule out a related fracture.