Locations:
Search IconSearch

What’s the Difference Between Shoulder Dislocation and Subluxation?

The short answer from an orthopaedic surgeon

X-ray visual of a shoulder dislocation.

Q: What’s the difference between shoulder dislocation and subluxation?

A: Has your shoulder ever popped out of place? You feel the pop — and then the pain. Unfortunately, if this happens, you are more at risk for shoulder instability and re-injury, especially if you’re young and active.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

In some cases, the ball at the top of your upper arm bone (humerus) may come out of the socket only partially — called “subluxation.” This means that your shoulder moves past the normal location on the socket but is not completely out of place.

When it pops out completely, it’s known as dislocation. Both injuries can cause pain, arm weakness and swelling.

Some dislocations spontaneously reduce, and it’s difficult to determine if they were subluxations or dislocations. Your doctor can use advanced imaging, such as an MRI, as well as conducting a thorough history and physical to help determine this.

shoulder dislocation may stretch or tear surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscles. It may even bruise or damage the bone.

Both immediate medical treatment and follow-up care are important because tearing muscles or ligaments typically leads to shoulder instability, which makes it easier for your shoulder to pop out again.

— Orthopaedic surgeon Anne Marie Chicorelli, DO.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person grabbing their elbow, grimacing in pain
December 16, 2024/Chronic Pain
10 Natural Remedies That Help With Tendinitis Inflammation and Tendinosis Degeneration

Tendinopathy tends to get better with rest, ice, pain management and physical therapy

Hand massaging foot with bunion
November 29, 2024/Orthopaedics
Can You Shrink Bunions Naturally?

Wearing shoe inserts, maintaining a healthy weight and using cold or heat therapy may give you relief

Healthcare provider in physical therapy room helping person walk with a walker
November 22, 2024/Orthopaedics
Here’s What Happens After a Knee Replacement

Full recovery takes a year or more, but you’ll likely be walking and driving within a few weeks if you follow your provider’s recovery plan

Bare feet of person standing on exercise mat, with one foot rolling on a roller
November 18, 2024/Orthopaedics
How To Stop Foot Pain From Standing All Day

Try stretching, massage, elevation and a supportive pair of shoes to help relieve foot aches and pains

Large hand with athlete-taped wrist and fingers gripping football on the field
October 16, 2024/Orthopaedics
Understanding the Concussion Protocol, From Little League to the NFL

Concussion protocol describes the steps needed to test for concussion and return to play — timelines vary

Couple raking leaves in their front yard by their house
October 16, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tips To Avoid Back Pain From Raking Leaves

Using proper form and the right equipment can help keep you injury-free while gathering up that colorful foliage

Person outside, grabbing shoulder
September 17, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: How Can I Tell the Difference?

Both are forms of tendinopathy, but one is more of an acute injury caused by inflammation, while the other is the result of degeneration over time

Person resting on couch with bandaged knee elevated on couch pillow
August 19, 2024/Orthopaedics
What’s the Best Way To Sleep After Meniscus Surgery?

You may have to keep your leg straight, but you can sleep in any position

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad