Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Congenital shoulder dislocation

A rare limb condition in which the shoulder joint is out of place from before birth.

Understanding Congenital shoulder dislocation

Congenital shoulder dislocation is a rare limb difference in which the shoulder joint is truly dislocated, developing before birth.

It can affect one or both shoulders. It usually comes with other differences of the shoulder area, such as the socket, the top of the arm bone, the joint capsule, and the shoulder blade. It can also occur with developmental hip dysplasia or heart differences.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Are other shoulder, hip, or heart differences present?
What treatment options might help my child use the arm?
Which specialist, such as a pediatric orthopedist, should we see?

Quick facts

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It doesn't name a gene.

Genetic

Also known as: congenital dislocation of glenohumeral joint; congenital dislocation of shoulder; true congenital shoulder dislocation

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital shoulder dislocationGARD ID 21209 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital shoulder dislocation.

Explore the Congenital shoulder dislocation blog

Explore research for Congenital shoulder dislocation

Explore actively recruiting Congenital shoulder dislocation studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Congenital shoulder dislocation with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Congenital shoulder dislocation studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Congenital shoulder dislocation

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Congenital shoulder dislocation

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Congenital shoulder dislocation experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.