In an urban population of a quarter of a million, all shoulder dislocations that occurred in a 5-year period were recorded. A total of 216 shoulder dislocations were seen, 53.3% in men. The overall incidence rate was 17/100,000 per year. Incidence peaks were found in the age-group 21-30 years among men and in the age-group 61-80 years among women. Significantly more patients in the older age groups, and especially women, dislocated at home by falling on an outstretched arm, whereas the younger age-groups most frequently dislocated outside the home, e.g., on sports fields. A considerable number of patients (18.6%) were hospitalized, and 85.5% of the patients required outpatient follow-up. Prophylactic measures should be taken especially to increase the safety of the elderly in their homes.