Shoulder Dislocation and Instability

 

Specialist Shoulder Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

Shoulder dislocation occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint comes out of its socket. In some people, this leads to ongoing instability, with repeated dislocations or a feeling that the shoulder may “give way”.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the assessment and treatment of shoulder dislocation and instability, including recurrent and complex cases.

 

 

What is shoulder instability?

 

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it vulnerable to instability.

Shoulder instability occurs when the structures that stabilise the joint — including the labrum, ligaments and surrounding muscles — are damaged or stretched.

 

Instability may develop:

 

• After a traumatic shoulder dislocation

• Following repeated minor injuries

• In association with contact or overhead sports

• In people with naturally lax joints

 

Some patients experience repeated full dislocations, while others have pain, apprehension or a sensation of the shoulder slipping without full dislocation.

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms of shoulder dislocation and instability may include:

 

• A shoulder that has dislocated or “popped out”

• Recurrent dislocations

• A feeling of looseness or insecurity in the shoulder

• Pain with certain movements or positions

• Apprehension when the arm is lifted or rotated

• Reduced confidence in the shoulder during sport or daily activities

 

 

How is shoulder instability diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is based on:

 

• A detailed history of injury and symptoms

• Careful clinical examination

• Imaging such as MRI or CT scans to assess soft tissue and bone damage

• X-rays to assess alignment following dislocation

 

Accurate diagnosis is essential to identify the type of instability and guide appropriate treatment.

 

 

Is surgery always needed?

 

No. Some first-time dislocations and milder forms of instability can be treated without surgery.

 

Non-surgical treatment may include:

 

• Initial immobilisation following injury

• Structured physiotherapy to strengthen stabilising muscles

• Activity modification

 

However, younger and more active patients, particularly those involved in contact or overhead sports, have a higher risk of recurrent dislocation.

 

 

When is surgery considered?

 

Surgery may be recommended when:

 

• There are recurrent shoulder dislocations

• Instability persists despite appropriate physiotherapy

• There is significant structural damage (e.g. labral tears or bone loss)

• Instability affects work, sport or quality of life

 

Surgical treatment is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery), although open surgery may be required in certain cases. The aim is to restore stability while maintaining shoulder movement and strength.

 

 

Why see a specialist shoulder surgeon?

 

Shoulder instability is a complex condition that requires careful assessment and tailored treatment.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training specifically in shoulder surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

His practice is focused almost entirely on shoulder conditions, allowing:

 

• Accurate identification of the cause of instability

• Appropriate selection of patients for surgery

• Use of modern arthroscopic and stabilisation techniques

• Individualised rehabilitation planning

 

This specialist approach helps reduce the risk of recurrent instability and optimise long-term outcomes.

 

 

Local specialist shoulder care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, offering specialist shoulder care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and surgery take place at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to imaging, physiotherapy and comprehensive aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you have dislocated your shoulder or experience ongoing pain, instability or loss of confidence in your shoulder, a specialist assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.