Outlook

Good follow-up care is basic in preventing dislocation again and healing damaged tissues. Even with the best care, however, dislocation can reoccur. About 90% of people who experience shoulder dislocations when younger than 20 years of age go on to experience a second dislocation. After age 40, 14% have a second dislocation. If a dislocation occurs a second time in the same shoulder, especially with less trauma, the patient should be evaluated for the possibility of ligament damage in their shoulder. If this is the case, the patient may need surgery to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocations.