What is the difference, if any, between a seperated shoulder and a dislocated shoulder?

Answer 1

The shoulder girdle has 4 different joints. The Glenohumeral joint is the one we most commonly refer to when we say "shoulder." It is the articulation of the humerus (arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). The Acromioclavicular joint is at the top of the shoulder and it is the articulation of the scapula and the clavicle (collarbone). The Sternoclavicular joint is at the bottom of your neck and is the articulation of the sternum (breast bone) and the clavicle. The Scapulothoracic joint, although not always considered a "true" joint), is located in the back and is the approximation of the scapula on the thorax.

A dislocation is the displacement of the head of the humerus out of the Glenohumeral joint. This may occur anterior (forwards) or posterior (backwards).

A separated shoulder is a third degree sprain of the ligaments (fully torn) at the Acromioclavicular joint. The shoulder appears separated when a traction force (even a gentle one) is place on the arm and creates a sulcus and/or piano key deformity at the shoulder.