Arm Dislocations: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Arm Dislocations?
An emergency room doctor often puts a dislocated arm joint back in place. An orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint specialist, provides follow-up care and any surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Arm dislocations here means dislocations of the shoulder and the elbow. In a dislocation, the ends of bones are out of their normal position where they meet at a joint. In the elbow, the joint surfaces of its three bones are separated. In the shoulder, the top of the upper arm bone (the humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket. Putting the elbow back in its normal alignment is called a reduction.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A dislocated elbow should be treated as an emergency. Most dislocations treated early do not cause lasting injury. People whose shoulder dislocates again and again may be offered surgery to repair torn or stretched ligaments.
How to prepare
First aid for a suspected dislocation includes the following steps.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number before you begin treating someone who may have a dislocation.
- Do not try to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or change its position.
- Put a splint or sling on the joint in the position you found it.
- Do not give the person anything by mouth.
The doctor also checks the pulse at the wrist. The doctor checks the nerve supply to the hand too. An X-ray is needed to find out whether a bone is also injured.
What happens during it
For an elbow, the doctor confirms the dislocation on an X-ray and then sets the elbow back in place. This can usually be done in an emergency room. You may be given medicine to make you sleepy and to numb the area. A splint is then put on to keep the elbow still. The splint should not be removed until you follow up with a physician. Some dislocations need surgery. For a shoulder that keeps dislocating, stitches and anchors can reattach a torn ligament to the bone. Shoulder surgery can be done through small cuts with a tiny camera, which is called arthroscopy. Some people need open surgery, which means a cut over the shoulder.
Recovery
A simple elbow dislocation is treated with a splint or sling for 1 to 3 weeks, followed by motion exercises. Therapy can help you regain motion without another dislocation. The elbow can still work very well without full motion. Tissues around a dislocated joint generally take 6 to 12 weeks to heal. After shoulder surgery, a sling may be worn for a short time.
Risks and side effects
Once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again. Nerve and blood vessel injuries may cause long-term or permanent problems. In the most severe elbow dislocations, blood vessels and nerves may be injured. Then there is a risk of losing the arm. Call 911 or the local emergency number right away if a bone sticks out through the skin. Do the same if the area below the joint is pale, cold, clammy, or blue, or if bleeding is severe. Also call 911 or the local emergency number right away for signs of infection, such as warmth or redness at the injured site, pus, or a fever. Wearing protective gear in contact sports can help prevent dislocations in adults.
Who performs it
Most dislocations can be treated in a health care provider's office or an emergency room. An orthopedic surgeon is a bone and joint specialist who provides follow-up care. A physical or occupational therapist can guide your recovery exercises.
Common questions
Is a dislocated arm an emergency?
Yes, call 911 or the local emergency number before you begin treating someone who may have a dislocation. A dislocated joint can be hard to tell apart from a broken bone, and both are emergencies.
Can I push the joint back in place myself?
No, do not try to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or change its position.
Can an arm dislocation happen again?
Yes, once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again. A shoulder that slips out again and again has chronic shoulder instability. It is often treated first without surgery.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After emergency room treatment, follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint specialist, is advised.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Dislocation
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Elbow Dislocation
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Chronic Shoulder Instability and Dislocation
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
