What are symptoms of a dislocated shoulder?

The symptoms of a dislocated shoulder typically include intense pain and a significant inability to move the shoulder. When the shoulder is dislocated, the humeral head is displaced from its normal position in the glenoid cavity, causing immediate and severe pain. This intense pain is often accompanied by a sense of instability in the joint, which makes it extremely difficult for the individual to move the shoulder without exacerbating the pain. The nature of the injury leads to muscle spasms and guarding, further restricting mobility.

While visible deformity and swelling can also be present, they are not universally experienced by all patients with shoulder dislocations. Some people may not notice significant swelling or deformity until after the initial trauma, while others might have these symptoms to a varying degree based on the incident and the individual’s anatomy. Therefore, the presence of intense pain and inability to move the shoulder are more definitive and immediate symptoms that can help distinguish a dislocated shoulder from other shoulder injuries.