Case Study: Shoulder Dislocation, Acupuncture, and Recovery Process

This case study focuses on the glenohumeral joint, commonly known as the shoulder joint, and the implications of its dislocation. It begins by outlining the joint's structure, its vulnerability, and the commonality of dislocations, often resulting from repetitive overhead movements. The study details the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder, including pain, asymmetry, and muscle spasms, and emphasizes the need for immediate medical attention. Recovery timelines and the likelihood of recurrence are discussed, with specific attention given to the higher risk among younger patients. The case study then explores the use of acupuncture as a treatment to aid recovery and minimize the chances of recurrent dislocations, explaining how it can reduce inflammation and restore the joint. The relevance of the study is highlighted by its focus on athletes, specifically those involved in contact sports like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, who have a higher incidence of shoulder dislocations. The study references medical literature and peer-reviewed articles to support its findings. The case study's limitations, such as the single-participant data set, are acknowledged. The study is contributed by a student to Desklib, a platform offering AI-based study tools for students.

Clinical assignment

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The Glenohumeral joint, which is commonly referred to as shoulder joint, is a ball and
socket joint between the scapula and the humerus. This is formed by the head of the humerus
and glenoid cavity of the scapula. It is responsible for connecting the upper limb with the
trunk of the body (Jones, 2018). The Glenohumeral joint also has the ability to move in three
different planes, which is referred to as circumduction. This is a combination of flexion,
extension, adduction, abduction, internal and external rotation (Biel, 2014).
The Glenohumeral joint is vulnerable and often gets injured. Because of its structure, it is
the most commonly dislocated joint in the body (Jones, 2018). A dislocated joint is when the
head of the humerus is detached from its socket. This can be as a result of repetitive overhead
movement of the shoulder. Over time, the ligaments surrounding the joint tend to over stretch
thus increasing the likelihood of a dislocation (Begly & Alaia, 2019). Shoulder dislocation
has many symptoms including; the body will appear asymmetrical, severe pain and
tenderness in the joints. (Young, 2018) Additionally, muscle spasms may occur following a
dislocation causing the person to be in more pain.
As soon as a shoulder dislocation occurs, immediate medical attention is advised for the
humerus bone to be put back into its socket. Recovery can take anytime between four to six
weeks with a high chance of reoccurrence. Miller and Armfield (2019) suggest that patients
under 25 years of age who have had a dislocated shoulder have an 80% chance of repetition.
Acupuncture can help with the recovery and healing process of the joint and minimise the
chances of recurring dislocations. (Zhu, Arsovska, Kosovska, 2018) This is done by
stimulating blood flow and energy in the body which helps reduce the inflammation of the
joint, thus restoring it back to normal (Zhu et al. 2018).
This particular joint is of interest because of its prevalence amongst athletes. With a
background in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it is interesting to see the correlation between sports and
injuries. The prevalence and risk of shoulder dislocations amongst athletes that participate in
contact and collision sports, is much higher than the average person (Begly & Alaia, 2019).
Zhu, Arsovska, Kosovska (2018) are all working in the medical and natural science fields.
It is a recent article published by the Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. This peer
reviewed article was not financed by any external source and the authors have declared no

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competing interest. Therefore, no financial bias was involved. This case study has only one
participant therefore, data cannot be generalised to the public.
References
Begly, J. P., & Alaia, M. J. (2019). First-Time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability:
Management in the Young and Active Patient. Bulletin of the NYU Hospital for Joint
Diseases,77(1), 21. Retrieved from
https://login.ezproxy.endeavour.edu.au:2443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/
login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.578047022&site=eds-
live&scope=site
Biel, A., & Dom, R. (2014). Trail guide to the body: A hands on guide to locating muscles,
bones and more. (5th ed.). Boulder, CO: Books of Discovery.
Jones, O. (2018). The shoulder joints. Retrieved from https://teachmeanatomy.info/upper-
limb/joints/shoulder/
Young, C. (2018). Dislocated shoulder symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.sports-
health.com/sports-injuries/shoulder-injuries/dislocated-shoulder-symptoms
Zhu, J., Arsovska, B., & Kozovska, K. (2018). Acupuncture Treatment after Shoulder
Arthroscopy after Recurrent Dislocations. Open access Macedonian Journal Of
Medical Sciences, 6(11), 2133–2135. Doi.10.3889/oamjms.2018.476