Shoulder and Hip Dislocations

A sudden joint injury can be painful, frightening and disruptive, especially when it affects major joints like the shoulder or hip. Dislocations can make everyday movements difficult and may limit your ability to work, exercise or care for yourself.

At Novant Health, our specialists provide expert care to relieve pain, restore joint stability and help you return to normal activity safely. We take time to understand how your injury happened and what matters most to you as we build your treatment plan.

Find a specialist

Find a location

A detailed view of shoulder muscles showing tendons and bones.

Shoulder anatomy

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint designed for a wide range of motion. The rounded head of the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into a shallow socket called the glenoid, which is part of the scapula (shoulder blade). A ring of fibrous cartilage called the labrum surrounds the socket, helping stabilize the joint. Because the shoulder prioritizes mobility over stability, it is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body.

Detailed human anatomy showing muscles and bones of the arm and leg.

Hip anatomy

The hip is also a ball-and-socket joint, formed by the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum, a deep socket in the pelvis. Strong ligaments and muscles provide stability and support weight-bearing activities like walking and standing. While the hip is more stable than the shoulder, dislocations can still occur. Those dislocations are usually the result of high-impact trauma.

What is a shoulder or hip dislocation?

A dislocation occurs when the ball of a joint moves out of its normal position in the socket. This may be a partial dislocation (subluxation), where the joint surfaces lose alignment but remain partially connected, or a complete dislocation, where the joint fully separates.

Shoulder dislocations often result from sports involving overhead motion, repetitive use at work, falls or direct impact. Most shoulder dislocations occur in a forward direction (anterior), though backward or downward dislocations can also occur.

Hip dislocations typically result from significant trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from height or sports injuries. Because of the force involved, hip dislocations may be associated with other injuries and require prompt medical attention.

Overview

Symptoms

Symptoms of a shoulder or hip dislocation may include:

Sudden, severe joint pain
Visible deformity or abnormal joint position
Swelling, bruising or tenderness
Limited or complete loss of movement
A feeling of instability or the joint “giving way”
Numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are affected

In some cases, dislocations can also cause damage to ligaments, tendons, cartilage or nerves, making early evaluation especially important.

Diagnosis

At Novant Health, diagnosis begins with a careful physical exam and a discussion of how the injury occurred. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, are used to confirm the dislocation and check for associated fractures. In some cases, advanced imaging like MRI may be recommended to evaluate soft tissue damage after the joint is stabilized.

We explain your findings clearly, so you understand your injury and next steps.

How serious are dislocations?

A dislocated joint is a medical condition that requires prompt care. Without proper treatment, dislocations can lead to ongoing pain, repeated instability, joint damage or long-term loss of function. Recurrent shoulder dislocations are common in active individuals, while hip dislocations carry a risk of complications if not treated quickly. Early diagnosis and appropriate care help protect the joint and support a better recovery.

Why treatment matters

Immediate treatment

Most dislocations are treated with a procedure called closed reduction, in which the joint is gently guided back into place. This is typically done with pain control or sedation to keep you comfortable.

Recovery and rehabilitation

After reduction, the joint is immobilized using a sling (for the shoulder) or supportive positioning (for the hip) to allow healing. Ice, medications and rest help reduce pain and swelling. Once symptoms improve, physical therapy begins to restore range of motion, strengthen supporting muscles and reduce the risk of future dislocations.

In cases of recurrent instability or significant tissue damage, surgery may be recommended to repair or stabilize the joint.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.