Overview
True congenital shoulder dislocation is an extremely rare condition present at birth in which the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is dislocated from the time the baby is born. Unlike shoulder dislocations that happen during the birth process due to trauma, this condition develops before birth while the baby is still in the womb. The ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) is not properly seated in the socket of the shoulder blade (glenoid), and this misalignment is a true developmental abnormality rather than an injury. Babies born with this condition typically have limited movement of the affected shoulder. Parents or doctors may notice that the arm hangs in an unusual position, and the baby may not move that arm as freely as the other. The shoulder may appear asymmetric or have an unusual shape. In some cases, both shoulders can be affected, though one-sided involvement is more common. Treatment depends on the severity and whether other abnormalities are present. Options range from observation and physical therapy to surgical correction. Early intervention is important to promote normal shoulder development and function. Closed reduction (repositioning without surgery) may be attempted in some cases, but open surgical repair is sometimes necessary, especially if the joint structures are significantly abnormal. Long-term outcomes vary, and some children may have persistent limitations in shoulder movement even after treatment.
Key symptoms:
Shoulder joint out of place at birthLimited arm movement on the affected sideArm held in an unusual positionAsymmetry of the shouldersDecreased ability to raise the armFlattened or abnormal shoulder shapeDifficulty with reaching or grasping on the affected sidePossible shortening of the affected armMuscle weakness around the shoulderClicking or instability of the shoulder joint
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for True congenital shoulder dislocation.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for True congenital shoulder dislocation.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to True congenital shoulder dislocation.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my child's shoulder dislocation isolated, or could it be part of a broader condition or syndrome?,Will my child need surgery, and if so, what is the best timing for the procedure?,What are the expected outcomes with and without surgical treatment?,How often should we schedule follow-up visits to monitor shoulder development?,What physical therapy exercises can we do at home to help our child?,Are there any activity restrictions my child should follow as they grow?,Should we pursue genetic testing to look for an underlying cause?
Common questions about True congenital shoulder dislocation
What is True congenital shoulder dislocation?
True congenital shoulder dislocation is an extremely rare condition present at birth in which the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint) is dislocated from the time the baby is born. Unlike shoulder dislocations that happen during the birth process due to trauma, this condition develops before birth while the baby is still in the womb. The ball of the upper arm bone (humerus) is not properly seated in the socket of the shoulder blade (glenoid), and this misalignment is a true developmental abnormality rather than an injury. Babies born with this condition typically have limited movement of the a
At what age does True congenital shoulder dislocation typically begin?
Typical onset of True congenital shoulder dislocation is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.