Shoulder Dislocation Treatment in Singapore
Medically reviewed by Dr Poh Keng Soon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, MRCS (Edinburgh, 2013), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery, 2017), FRCS (Edinburgh, 2018) — 21 October 2026.
A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone comes out of its socket and requires prompt medical reduction, followed by sling support and rehabilitation. At Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Alvernia Hospital, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Poh Keng Soon treats shoulder dislocations in Singapore for first-time injuries and recurrent instability, drawing on subspecialty training in sports, shoulder and elbow surgery. For repeated dislocations, our specialist assesses whether shoulder dislocation surgery, including arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation (keyhole Bankart repair) or the Latarjet procedure, is appropriate to address instability and support a return to work or sport.
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of the head of the humerus (arm bone) as the ball and the glenoid of the scapula (shoulder blade) as the socket. Shoulder dislocation occurs when the humeral head completely pops out of the socket, while shoulder subluxation is when the humeral head partially pops out.
Why Is the Shoulder Commonly Dislocated?
The shoulder joint is the most commonly dislocated joint because of its anatomy: the humeral head (ball) is more than three times the size of the glenoid (socket), providing a great range of motion but making it vulnerable to dislocation and instability. Less commonly, the humeral head may dislocate backwards (posterior dislocation), which can be associated with posterior shoulder instability. Downward (inferior) shoulder dislocation is rare.
What Are the Causes of Shoulder Dislocation?
Shoulder dislocation can occur due to various factors, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents. The anterior (front) dislocation is the most common type, often resulting from forceful external rotation and abduction of the arm. Additionally, repetitive stress on the shoulder joint, muscle weakness, or structural abnormalities can increase the risk of dislocation and instability.
Symptoms of a Dislocated Shoulder
Common symptoms of shoulder dislocation include severe pain, inability to move the shoulder, and visible deformity or asymmetry of the shoulder contour. Numbness or tingling may also occur if nearby nerves are affected. A suspected shoulder dislocation requires prompt medical attention to assess the injury and reposition the joint.
What to Do Right After a Shoulder Dislocation
• Do Not Attempt to Reposition the Shoulder Yourself: Attempting to reposition the shoulder without appropriate training or experience may injure surrounding nerves, blood vessels or tissues. Even if you have experienced recurrent dislocations, never force the joint back into position.
• Support the Injured Arm: Keep it supported in its current position and avoid unnecessary movement.
• Seek Emergency Medical Attention: Visit an emergency department promptly for assessment and joint reduction by a trained medical professional.
• Watch for Nerve or Circulation Problems: Numbness, tingling, or a cold or pale hand may indicate nerve or blood vessel involvement and require immediate medical attention.
Complications and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder instability can develop after a dislocation if the supporting structures are damaged. A Bankart lesion is a tear of the anteroinferior glenoid labrum, the cartilage rim that helps stabilise the shoulder socket. If the torn labrum does not heal securely, the shoulder may remain unstable, causing repeated dislocations, partial dislocations (subluxations), or a sensation of slipping or giving way during certain movements.
Recurrent dislocations are particularly a concern in younger patients and those who participate in contact sports. Repeated episodes can also cause bone loss at the glenoid socket or humeral head, which may influence the choice of surgical treatment.
Shoulder dislocations may also be accompanied by fractures, rotator cuff tendon tears, or injuries to nearby nerves and blood vessels.
How Is a Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosed?
Dr Poh assesses shoulder dislocations through a review of your injury history and a physical examination of the affected joint. He may recommend diagnostic imaging to identify labral tears, fractures or bone damage that could influence shoulder dislocation treatment, particularly if shoulder dislocation surgery is being considered.
Depending on the clinical findings, investigations may include:
• X-ray: Evaluates shoulder joint alignment, confirms a suspected dislocation and identifies associated fractures.
• MRI Scan: Assesses soft-tissue injuries, including tears of the shoulder labrum and rotator cuff tendons.
• CT Scan: May be used to assess bone loss at the shoulder socket or humeral head when planning treatment for recurrent dislocations.
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Without Surgery
After a successful reduction of a dislocated shoulder, a short period of immobilisation with an arm sling may be advisable, followed by rehabilitation to regain range of motion and strength.
Non-surgical shoulder dislocation treatment may involve:
1. Shoulder Reduction: A trained medical professional repositions the dislocated humeral head within the shoulder socket. This requires prompt medical assessment and is generally managed in an emergency setting.
2. Sling Support: An arm sling is usually worn for up to one week after a shoulder dislocation.
3. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Guided exercises help restore shoulder mobility before progressing to rotator cuff and surrounding muscle strengthening to support joint stability. Dr. Poh works closely with physiotherapists and can recommend one upon request or liaise with your existing physiotherapist on your treatment plan.
4. Assessment of Shoulder Stability: Patients whose shoulder remains stable after reduction and rehabilitation may avoid surgery. Dr. Poh can review joint function and recovery progress to determine whether further treatment is necessary.
Arrange a consultation with Dr. Poh to assess your shoulder stability and discuss appropriate treatment following a dislocation.
What Are the Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Instability?
Dr. Poh performs shoulder dislocation surgery to repair damaged structures and address recurrent dislocations, with the procedure selected according to the injury and individual clinical findings.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Shoulder Dislocation Surgery
Following Bankart repair or the Latarjet procedure, patients undergo a structured rehabilitation programme to facilitate healing, restore shoulder mobility, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Physical therapy exercises focus on improving range of motion, stability, and function gradually. Patients are usually advised to wear a sling to support the shoulder during the initial stages of recovery and to avoid activities that may place excessive stress on the repaired tissue.
Recovery after shoulder dislocation surgery generally involves the following stages:
1. Sling and Protected Movement: Wear an arm sling for approximately 3–6 weeks, depending on the injury and procedure performed, and avoid movements that place excessive stress on the repaired tissues.
2. Regaining Range of Motion: Work with a physiotherapist on guided exercises to gradually restore shoulder mobility within the permitted movement limits.
3. Rebuilding Strength: Progress to exercises targeting the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles to improve shoulder strength and joint control.
4. Returning to Work, Driving and Non-Contact Sports: Resume activities according to shoulder movement, strength and functional recovery. Driving may resume when it is safe to control the vehicle and postoperative restrictions have been lifted.
Recovery varies according to individual factors, including age, ligament laxity, associated injuries, extent of tissue damage and the procedure performed. Dr. Poh will tailor rehabilitation to your condition and work closely with you and your physiotherapist to guide your progression towards work, exercise and sporting activities.
Shoulder Dislocation Surgery With Dr Poh Keng Soon
For shoulder dislocation treatment in Singapore, Dr. Poh Keng Soon provides consultations for recurrent shoulder instability, including assessment for arthroscopic Bankart repair, posterior labral repair, remplissage procedure, and the Latarjet procedure. His clinical background includes subspecialty fellowship training in sports, shoulder and elbow surgery in Melbourne, Australia, where he managed shoulder and elbow injuries among professional athletes.
Qualifications & Professional Background
• Medical Qualifications: MRCS (Edinburgh, 2013), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery, NUS, 2017) and FRCS (Edinburgh, 2018).
• Subspecialty Fellowship: Completed under the Ministry of Health's Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) award in Melbourne, Australia.
• Clinical & Academic Appointments: Visiting Consultant at National University Hospital and Adjunct Assistant Professor at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
• Hospitals and Day Surgery Centres: Accredited to perform surgery at Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Parkway East, Mount Alvernia, Farrer Park, Thomson Medical Centre, Cura Day Surgery, Aptus Surgery Centre and Novaptus Surgery Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Clinic Locations
Gleneagles Hospital
Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Partners
#03-37 Annexe Block
6A Napier Road
Singapore 258500
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Mount Alvernia Hospital
Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Partners
#06-08 Medical Center A
820 Thomson Road
Singapore 574623
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Tel: +65-6970 7748
Mobile/WhatsApp: +65 8129 1019
