If the shoulder is dislocated, it is usually very apparent:
The shoulder is quite painful.
Motion is severely restricted.
The shoulder appears to hang down and
forward, with a large dimple evident under the acromion
(in the area of the collar bone).
The humeral head may be visible as
a bump on the front of the shoulder, or in the armpit.
To return the dislocated arm to its socket
(called a reduction) usually requires a visit
to the emergency department, where expert assistance can be
found. Some individuals with recurrent dislocations eventually
become experienced at reducing the arm themselves.
