Shoulder Dislocation Treatment in Bangalore: A Specialist’s Perspective
- Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah
- Nov 10, 2025
- 6 min read
In Brief: A shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) slips out of its socket (glenoid). It is one of the most common joint dislocations and can result from sports injuries, falls, or trauma. Proper diagnosis, timely reduction, and structured rehabilitation are crucial in preventing recurrent dislocations. In Bangalore, consulting an experienced shoulder specialist or orthopaedic surgeon ensures a safe recovery, reduces the risk of future instability, and promotes long-term joint stability.
The shoulder joint is the most mobile in the human body, allowing an incredible range of motion but also making it the most unstable. A shoulder dislocation occurs when this mobility exceeds control, forcing the joint’s ball (humeral head) out of its socket (glenoid cavity).
Dislocations can happen in athletes, especially in sports like cricket, tennis, badminton, or football, or even during daily activities like lifting or reaching. Once dislocated, the shoulder often becomes prone to repeated instability if not treated correctly.
In Bangalore, Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah, an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow, and sports injuries, provides evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment for both first-time and recurrent dislocations. His experience from the Sydney Shoulder Research Institute (Australia) adds global precision to local care.
What Happens During a Shoulder Dislocation?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, formed by the humeral head (ball) and the glenoid (socket) of the scapula. The joint’s stability depends on soft tissues, ligaments, labrum, tendons, and muscles that keep the ball centred during movement.
When the shoulder dislocates, these stabilising structures stretch or tear, leading to:
Pain and visible deformity
Swelling and bruising
Inability to move the arm
Numbness or tingling (if nerves are affected)
Types of Shoulder Dislocations
1. Anterior Dislocation (Most Common – 90% of cases): The humeral head slips forward out of the socket, usually due to the arm being forced backwards and outward.
2. Posterior Dislocation: Less common, occurs when the arm is forced inward or during electrical shocks or seizures.
3. Inferior Dislocation (Rare): The arm hangs abnormally downward; often associated with complex trauma.
Each type requires a distinct approach to reduction and rehabilitation, making accurate diagnosis critical.
Common Causes of Shoulder Dislocation
1. Sports Injuries: High-impact and overhead sports like cricket, tennis, swimming, and football often cause shoulder dislocations due to sudden forceful movements or collisions during play.
2. Falls and Accidents: A fall on an outstretched hand or shoulder is one of the most frequent causes, especially in older adults or during slips and two-wheeler accidents.
3. Repetitive Overhead Movements: Athletes and professionals who perform repeated overhead actions, such as throwing or lifting, can gradually weaken shoulder ligaments, leading to instability.
4. Direct Trauma or Impact: Strong impact during contact sports or road accidents can force the shoulder joint out of place, often accompanied by ligament or labral injury.
5. Previous Shoulder Injury: Once a shoulder has dislocated, it becomes more prone to recurrent instability, especially if proper rehabilitation is not completed.
6. Congenital Ligament Laxity: Some people naturally have loose ligaments, making their shoulders more flexible but also more vulnerable to dislocations.
7. Poor Posture or Muscle Imbalance: Weak scapular muscles and rounded shoulders can gradually strain the stabilising ligaments, predisposing the joint to instability over time.
Understanding what caused the dislocation helps your shoulder specialist in Bangalore plan a precise treatment and rehabilitation approach to prevent future episodes.
Diagnosis and Assessment in Shoulder Dislocation
An experienced orthopaedist in Bangalore will start with:
1. Clinical Examination: To assess deformity, range of motion, and neurovascular function.
2. X-rays: Confirm the direction of dislocation and rule out fractures.
3. MRI/CT Scans: Used to evaluate associated injuries like -
Bankart lesion: Tearing of the labrum and capsule at the front of the shoulder.
Hill-Sachs lesion: Indentation fracture on the humeral head from impact with the socket edge.
Ligament or rotator cuff tears: Especially in older patients or athletes.
A detailed imaging study helps the shoulder specialist decide whether non-surgical or surgical treatment is appropriate.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Dislocation
1. Closed Reduction (Non-Surgical Treatment):
In most first-time dislocations, the shoulder can be repositioned manually—a process called closed reduction.
Performed under sedation or local anaesthesia.
Immediate pain relief and visible realignment occur once the ball re-enters the socket.
Post-reduction X-rays confirm correct positioning.
After reduction, the shoulder is immobilised in a sling for 2–3 weeks, followed by physiotherapy to restore strength and motion.
Indicated for:
First-time dislocation
No associated fractures or ligament damage
Younger patients with low recurrence risk
2. Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation (Bankart Repair):
For patients with recurrent dislocations or significant labral/ligament damage, arthroscopic surgery offers a minimally invasive solution.
Procedure:
Small incisions are made to insert an arthroscope (camera).
Torn labrum and ligaments are reattached to the bone using suture anchors.
No large incisions or open exposure required.
Benefits:
Day-care procedure
Minimal scarring
Faster rehabilitation
Low recurrence rate (under 5–10%)
This technique is ideal for athletes, young adults, or anyone who has experienced repeated shoulder dislocations.
3. Open Stabilisation or Latarjet Procedure:
If the patient has significant bone loss, a failed prior repair, or contact-sport injuries, an open Latarjet procedure may be performed.
What It Involves: A piece of the coracoid bone is transferred and fixed to the front of the glenoid to enlarge the socket and prevent future dislocations.
Benefits:
Provides strong stability
Recommended for contact sports players (rugby, football, kabaddi)
Excellent long-term outcomes with low recurrence
Patients with complex shoulder and elbow trauma or chronic shoulder instability may require this approach.
4. Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy:
Rehabilitation is as critical as surgery itself. The process focuses on:
Restoring range of motion without over-stressing the repair
Strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles
Gradual return to sport or physical activity
A complete rehab program lasts 3–6 months, tailored to the patient’s recovery pace and type of repair.
Recovery Timeline After Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
Weeks 1–3: Immobilisation Phase:
Sling usage to protect healing ligaments
Pain management and ice therapy
Gentle wrist and elbow movements
Weeks 4–8: Early Motion Phase:
Gradual physiotherapy begins
Passive movements under supervision
Avoid lifting or overhead movements
Weeks 9–16: Strengthening Phase:
Active exercises for the shoulder muscles
Progressive resistance training
Month 4–6: Return to Sport:
Functional drills for athletes
Full range of motion regained
Most patients resume daily and sporting activities
Long-Term Outlook
With modern arthroscopic and open stabilisation techniques, long-term success rates exceed 90%. Patients regain full mobility, experience minimal pain, and dramatically reduce recurrence risks, provided they adhere to physiotherapy and avoid premature return to sport.
Factors influencing long-term outcomes:
Surgical precision and anchor placement
Early rehabilitation under professional supervision
Muscle conditioning and posture correction
Avoidance of high-impact activity during recovery
Preventing Recurrent Dislocations
1. Early Specialist Consultation: Do not delay medical attention after the first dislocation.
2. Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Focus on the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers.
3. Avoid Repetitive Strain: Especially overhead lifting or sudden jerks.
4. Follow Rehabilitation Protocols: Rushing recovery increases recurrence risk.
5. Choose the Right Specialist: A shoulder specialist in Bangalore trained in arthroscopic stabilisation ensures precise care.
Why Consult Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah
Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic and sports surgeon in Bangalore, specialises in shoulder dislocation treatment, arthroscopic stabilisation, and shoulder ligament injury repair.
Having trained at the Sydney Shoulder Research Institute (Australia) and earned an IOC Diploma in Sports Medicine, he combines cutting-edge surgical expertise with a deep understanding of sports biomechanics.
He treats athletes, professionals, and patients across all age groups, ensuring safe, evidence-based recovery through tailored treatment plans.
Conclusion: Restoring Shoulder Stability with Precision
Shoulder dislocation is more than just a painful event; it is a signal that your shoulder needs professional attention. Whether it is your first episode or a recurrent issue, modern shoulder stabilisation procedures can help restore full function and prevent future dislocations.
Consulting a specialist in shoulder dislocation treatment in Bangalore, such as Dr. Kushalappa Subbiah, ensures that you receive an accurate diagnosis, advanced care, and structured rehabilitation—helping you return to sport, work, and daily life with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best treatment for shoulder dislocation in Bangalore?
Treatment depends on the severity of the dislocation. First-time cases are usually managed with manual reduction and physiotherapy, while recurrent dislocations may need arthroscopic stabilisation or Latarjet surgery. Consulting a shoulder specialist in Bangalore ensures accurate treatment and long-term joint stability.
2. How long does it take to recover from shoulder dislocation surgery?
Recovery usually takes 3–6 months. Sling support is needed for the first few weeks, followed by physiotherapy to restore strength and motion. With proper rehab under an orthopaedic surgeon in Bangalore, most patients return to normal activity within six months.
3. When should I see a shoulder specialist after a dislocation?
See a shoulder specialist immediately after a dislocation, especially if the shoulder looks deformed or movement is painful. Early evaluation by an orthopaedist in Bangalore helps prevent recurrence and long-term instability.
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