Shoulder Dislocation Treatment Specialist

Dr. Bryan Tan

MBBS (Singapore)

MMed (Ortho)

FRCS Ed (Orth)

Shoulder dislocation occurs when your upper arm pops out of your shoulder socket.It is vital to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce the complications of a shoulder dislocation.

Dr. Bryan Tan

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sports have always played a big part in Dr Bryan’s life. His interest in sports and varied sporting activities give him a deep understanding of sports injuries and the mindset of an athlete.
The condition often develops gradually over time and is difficult to detect. This painful condition affects 2-5% of the general population.

Dr Bryan Tan is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, based in Singapore. He completed 2 fellowships in Orthopaedic Sports, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney, Australia and Nice, France. Prior to private practice, Dr Bryan was a consultant in the Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in National University Hospital (NUH), Singapore. He is currently still a visiting consultant at NUH where he actively teaches medical students and young orthopaedic surgical trainees. In addition, he travels to regional countries to teach advanced arthroscopic surgical techniques.

    • MBBS(Singapore)

    • MMed (Ortho)

    • FRCS Ed(Orth)

Dr. Bryan has a special interest in keyhole surgery and performs most of his surgeries using advanced, modern keyhole surgical techniques. He regularly visits fellow surgeons from other countries to ensure his skills and knowledge are cutting edge.

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What Is Shoulder Dislocation?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that is primarily composed of three bones—the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and the collarbone (clavicle). While the shoulder has a complex structure that provides mobility and stability, this very same flexibility makes the shoulder particularly vulnerable to dislocations.

Shoulder dislocation occurs when your upper arm pops out of your shoulder socket.

What Are the Symptoms Of Shoulder Dislocation?

Common symptoms of shoulder dislocation include:

  • A visibly out-of-place shoulder
  • Intense pain
  • Inability to move the shoulder joint
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Numbness over the deltoid region of the arm
Billing & Payment

Medisave & Insurance Claims

The following are accredited For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners. If your insurance is not listed, you will still be able to make claims for eligible procedures! We have experience processing claims from many other various insurance providers. Please contact us if you have any queries.

How is Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation treated?

Non-Surgical Treatment

Common treatment methods include:

  • Rest and avoid excessive shoulder movements
  • Simple and gentle stretching exercises to slowly regain shoulder mobility and strength
  • Physiotherapy

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is recommended for recurrent shoulder dislocations, when patient have frequent near dislocations or when patients experience pain with certain shoulder movements.

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How Is Shoulder Dislocation Diagnosed?

During a physical examination, your doctor may inspect the affected area for tenderness or any deformities. Furthermore, they may test your shoulder’s mobility by asking you to perform specific simple exercises to determine whether or not the shoulder joint is dislocated.

An X-ray of your shoulder joint may also be performed to reveal the dislocation and other damages to your shoulder joint. An MRI scan is often required to fully assess the extent of the injury.

How Is Shoulder Dislocation Treated?

Acute shoulder dislocations must be treated as soon as possible. The dislocated shoulder joint can usually be put back in position under sedation, by your doctor. It is important to avoid attempting to put the shoulder back yourself because of the risk of worsening the injury.

Some patients who have had a shoulder dislocation go on to develop a “loose shoulder”, which is prone to dislocating again, even with minimal trauma. Such a condition is known as recurrent shoulder dislocation.

What Causes Shoulder Dislocation?

The common causes of shoulder dislocation are:

  • Falling with the arm violently forced overhead
  • Violent yanking force applied to the arm
  • Sports injuries
  • Sudden forceful twisting of the upper arm
What’s the first step?

Embark on Your Road to Recovery With Dr Bryan Tan

step 1

Book An Appointment
With Dr. Bryan

Our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your registration, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free process for you. Fill up this form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bryan.

step 2

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis of your Condition

During your consultation, Dr. Bryan will evaluate your medical history and the pain you are experiencing. You may also ask Dr. Bryan any questions you may have about your condition.

step 3

Treatment & Follow Up Visits With Dr. Bryan

After your consultation with Dr. Bryan, our friendly clinic staff will assist you with your follow-up appointment, and provide you with instructions/information for any prescribed treatment plans from Dr. Bryan.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is shoulder dislocation serious? When should I visit a doctor?

If you suspect you have a dislocated shoulder, you should seek help at your nearest doctor or hospital immediately.

If, however, you have a “loose shoulder”, you should consider seeing a doctor but there is no urgency. This is because recurrent shoulder dislocations can cause more serious injuries to the shoulder.

How to prevent shoulder dislocation?

  • Exercise regularly to maintain the strength and flexibility of your shoulder joints and muscles
  • Ensure proper form/ technique when playing sports or working out

Take the First Step

Book An Appointment

Leave us a few details and Dr. Bryan will get back to you shortly.

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    For faster response, WhatsApp Us!
    +65 8044 5516

    Visit our Clinic

    Feel free to visit our clinic and get to meet our specialist.

    Orthosports@Novena

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-41
    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
    Singapore 329563

    Orthosports@Connexion

    1 Farrer Park Station Road,
    #15-17 Connexion
    Singapore 217562