If you have experienced the intense pain associated with a shoulder dislocation, you probably have wondered why or how it happened.
Dislocated shoulders are more common in people who participate in contact sports like football or hockey, although it can also happen while downhill snowboarding, skiing, playing volleyball, or kayaking. A fall can also cause a shoulder dislocation.
If you have family members who have dislocated a shoulder, there is a possibility that you are genetically predisposed to the condition, especially if your shoulder goes out easily or often.
There are two types of shoulder dislocations: anterior and posterior.
The anterior dislocation is more common. The humerus (the arm bone) pops out of the front of the joint.
Causes of an anterior shoulder dislocation:
- A fall onto an outstretched hand or shoulder
- A direct "hit" by another person
- An arm forced into an awkward position
The posterior dislocation accounts for only 2-4% of shoulder dislocations. The humerus (the arm bone) pops out toward the back of the body.
A posterior shoulder dislocation may be caused by:
- Direct impact to the front of the shoulder
- A fall onto an outstrectched arm that is rotated inwards or across the body
- An electric shock or a seizure
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