Reid dislocates shoulder in fall

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid was sporting a sling on his arm and a goose egg over his left eye Wednesday after he slipped while jogging and dislocated his right shoulder.
The Nevada Democrat showed up for work in the Senate at midmorning after being treated and released from George Washington University Hospital.

Aide Jon Summers said via Twitter that Reid was joking about his appearance, telling Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., that "you should see the other guy."

Another spokesman said Reid was not taking painkillers or other medication.

Reid, 71, was completing an exercise run in rainy weather around 8 a.m. when he reached his hand onto a wet car and the hand slipped, aides said.

Reid lives at the Ritz-Carlton condominium high-rise a few blocks from the hospital.

Reid's security detail took him to the emergency room, where he was examined for a concussion and other possible injuries. He was treated for a dislocated shoulder and a bruise over his eye.

Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., Reid's deputy in the Senate leadership, performed the morning opening of the Senate in place of the Nevadan.

According to the website of the Mayo Clinic, "a dislocated shoulder is an injury in which your upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that's part of your shoulder blade."

It is considered more serious than a separated shoulder, which involves ligament damage to the shoulder joint.

"Most people regain full shoulder function within a few weeks after experiencing a dislocated shoulder," according to the clinic. "However, once you've had a dislocated shoulder, your joint may become unstable and be prone to repeat dislocations."

Reid, a boxer in his youth, has dislocated his shoulder before, a spokesman confirmed.

Reid is right-handed, but the sling on that arm did not affect his work Wednesday, the spokesman added.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or
202-783-1760.