What position does a patient with a dislocated shoulder typically hold their arm in?

A patient with a dislocated shoulder typically holds their arm in an abducted and slightly externally rotated position. This posture is a natural response to alleviating discomfort and stabilizing the dislocation. By abducting the arm, the patient helps to relieve pressure on the joint and associated structures that may be affected by the dislocation. The slight external rotation assists in minimizing pain and allows for some degree of functionality, albeit limited.

This positioning is also characteristic of an anterior shoulder dislocation, which is the most common type. It occurs due to an excessive force pushing the shoulder joint out of its normal range of motion, often seen in sports injuries or falls. As a result, the arm's position reflects the body's instinctual effort to manage the injury while awaiting medical attention.