October 28, 2024
In Game 2 of the 2024 World Series, Dodgers’ superstar Shohei Ohtani reportedly suffered a partial shoulder dislocation which left fans wondering about the extent of this injury and his prognosis. We talked with shoulder surgeon and White Sox Team Physician Dr. Grant Garrigues about the injury — also known as a shoulder subluxation.
Top Five things to know about Partial Shoulder Dislocations
1. The shoulder has more range of motion than any other major joint
This incredible range of motion is due to the fact that there is little intrinsic stability from bones or ligaments. The rotator cuff muscles delicately balance the ball and socket joint for most every day activities but instability can occur with trauma or athletic injuries if this balance is disrupted.
2. For this reason, the shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body
A full dislocation means the "ball" comes completely out of the "socket." A subluxation means the ball comes partway out but not over the edge of the socket. A dislocation frequently requires a physician for reduction--placing the ball back into the socket. Subluxations frequently happen in an instant and the body's rotator cuff reflexes automatically recenter the ball into the socket.
3. Based on the video at MLB.com, you can see Ohtani slide feet-first with his left hand in the dirt
This position with the arm over the head is a position of vulnerability for the shoulder. "In the video, it even looks like there is a little 'hitch'—that can represent the shoulder moving slightly out of the socket and the rotator cuff reflexes pulling it back in," says Dr. Grant Garrigues.
4. The question is how much damage was sustained in the injury
In a patient with no tearing of the labrum or ligaments, good strength, full range of motion, and no sensation of instability or apprehension of impending instability, recovery can be very quick and Ohtani. In a patient where the ball moving out the socket caused tearing of the labrum or ligaments, this can be a more serious injury that frequently requires surgery. With a full dislocation, this type of damage occurs in approximately 97% of patients, with a subluxation, as it appears Ohtani suffered, the more serious damage of associated labral injury occurs about half of the time. Ligament injury is even more uncommon. As of this writing, MRI is pendng that will reveal if there is structural damage.
Recent media reporting indicates that Ohtani has been cleared to play in Game 3 of the World Series.
5. You dont have to be a professional athlete to suffer this injury.
Trauma during sports is a common cause but a slip and fall is very common too. If you have any symptoms of shoulder pain or instability, it is important to see a shoulder specialist. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Garrigues, click here or call 877-632-6637.
