Visit the AARP state page for information about events, news and resources near you. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider&#8217;s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.
Causes. The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated joint of the body. Because it moves in several directions, your shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward, completely or partially, though most dislocations occur through the front of the shoulder. dislocated shoulder may be caused by: 1  Sports injuries. 2  Shoulder dislocation is a common injury in contact sports, such as football and hockey, and in sports that may involve falls, such as downhill skiing, gymnastics and volleyball. 3  Trauma not related to sports.
The cost of such versatility is an increased risk of injury. It is important that family physicians understand the anatomy of the shoulder, mechanisms of injury, typical physical and radiologic findings, approach to management of injuries, and indications for referral.he glenohumeral joint is one of the most commonly dislocated joints. Ninety percent of shoulder dislocations are anterior (Figure 5) , 3 with most of the others being posterior. 9 Inferior dislocations (luxatio erecta) are rare and often are accompanied by neurovascular injury and fracture.