Dislocated Shoulder Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Every year, Dr. Thomas Vangsness treats people with dislocated shoulder injuries. The shoulder can become dislocated due to a variety of traumatic circumstances. Dislocated shoulder injuries are common among athletes and people who work with their hands above their heads such as baseball pitchers, tennis players and construction workers. When the shoulder becomes dislocated, the head of the humerus comes out of its socket. A subluxation is when the head of the humerus partially slides out of the socket and slides back in without completely dislocating. Both of these unfortunate injuries can cause the ligaments, capsule and labrum to become injured, creating instability and pain.

Immediately following a dislocated shoulder injury, Dr. Vangsness strongly recommends conservative non-operative treatment, including physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the rotator cuff. If there are multiple dislocations or subluxations after the initial injury, Dr. Vangsness may suggest surgery to repair or tighten the capsule and ligaments that help hold the shoulder in place. Surgery for a dislocated shoulder is performed with a miniature lighted telescope (called an arthroscope), introducing small instruments into the shoulder joint through hollow cannulas. Dr. Vangsness will then insert miniature screws with attached sutures precisely into the socket edge of the shoulder, and proceed to reattach the torn ligaments and labrum to the socket. For personalized patient care and experience you can trust, come see Dr. Thomas Vangsness for dislocated shoulder injuries.

For more information about treatment for a dislocated shoulder, contact Dr. Thomas Vangsness at his Los Angeles practice by calling (323) 442-5800.