Physical tests for a shoulder dislocation. Document distal pulse, sensation over deltoid muscles, brachial plexus exam, and confirm dislocation with x-ray, as well as document any pre-reduction fractures. Documenting the exam before the reduction also proves that you didn’t cause injury with your reduction.

The physical evaluation for a dislocated shoulder typically consists of palpation (touching) and observation, as well as range of motion and strength tests. Palpation and observation. The physician touches the injured shoulder, noting areas of tenderness and observing abnormalities.

Physical exam arm is abducted and externally rotated different from posterior dislocation in which the arm is held adducted and internally rotated "squaring" of the shoulder loss of rounded appearance (humeral head) and sharp prominence of the acromion ("squaring") axillary nerve neuropraxia reduced sensation over the lateral shoulder