Shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus separates from the glenoid cavity of the scapula. The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket synovial joint surrounded by ligaments and muscles like the rotator cuff. Anterior dislocation is the most common type, occurring when the arm is abducted, externally rotated, and extended. Physical exam findings include loss of the normal shoulder contour and tenderness. Imaging like x-rays can confirm the diagnosis by showing the humeral head is no longer centered in the glenoid.