Does A Suspected Shoulder Dislocation Require An ER Consultation?

Posted on Mon, 1 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Jan 2018 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Eight days agi, I was in a motorcycle accident where I was hit by a car and flew through air and landed. I was taken by helicopter to a trauma center where they did a full body scan and was sent home with road rash and bad bruises. I complained consistently but was told the scan showed no broken bones and was released. I contacted an attorney and was told to see their chiropractor this coming XXXXXXX 3rd. In the last 2 days the swelling has gone down and i am almost positive my shoulder is dislocated. My arm is about 3/4" longer than other arm. Do I need to go to emergency room now or is it ok to wait 2 more days?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go to ER.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have one through your query,if your shoulder is dislocated than you should go to ER as soon as possible because it will be difficult to reduce shoulder as time pass.Do a x-ray of shoulder for proper diagnosis.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana