The evaluation of a shoulder dislocation begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a shoulder dislocation may include:

• Shoulder pain:
• Worsens with movement of the shoulder
• Deformed shoulder
• Shoulder tenderness
• Shoulder swelling
• Poor circulation to the hand
• Decreased sensation over the deltoid muscle (axillary nerve injury)

Tests are necessary to evaluate a shoulder dislocation.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a shoulder dislocation include:

• Shoulder x-ray:
• Normal shoulder
• Dislocated shoulder
• Arthroscopy of the shoulder
• Arthrogram of the shoulder
• MRI scan of the shoulder