The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body; it helps move your arm in any direction. However, the flexibility and increase in motion makes your shoulder less stable and more susceptible to injury. Contact Millstein Orthopedics to learn more about how expert shoulder surgeon, Dr. Eric S. Millstein, can help you with shoulder instability. His office is conveniently located in Century City, Los Angeles, California. New and returning patients are welcome to call or request an appointment online today.
Ligaments, muscles and bone hold the shoulder’s ball and socket joint together. When the ligaments, muscles or bone become overstretched, overused or injured, the shoulder becomes unstable. Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is pushed out of the shoulder socket.
The most common cause of shoulder instability is impact trauma. Athletes who engage in contact sports like football, rugby or lacrosse are at a greater risk for shoulder instability. Also, household or occupational trauma such as falling down the stairs, falling from a height, or falling off a bicycle can cause shoulder instability.
Shoulder instability symptoms include:
Shoulder dislocation is when the top of your arm bone (humerus) moves out of place in your shoulder. The top of your humerus is shaped like a ball and fits nicely into the ball-shaped socket created by your scapula.
Shoulder dislocation can occur in a variety of ways:
Symptoms of a shoulder dislocation can include:
