Shoulder Dislocation

Question 1

What are the types of shoulder dislocation?

Answer 1

Anterior
- 95%

Posterior

Question 2

What causes an anterior dislocation?

Answer 2

Force applied to arm when

• extended
• abducted
• externally rotated

Question 3

What causes a posterior dislocation?

Answer 3

Seizures
Electrocution

Trauma

• direct blow to anterior shoulder
• force through flexed adducted arm

Question 4

Clinical features of shoulder dislocation

Answer 4

Painful shoulder
Reduced mobility
Instability

Loss of symmetry

Question 5

Investigations for suspected shoulder dislocation

Answer 5

X-ray

• anterior = AP view, humeral head out of glenoid fossa
• posterior = AP view, ‘light bulb sign’

Question 6

Management of shoulder dislocation

Answer 6

Analgesia
Closed reduction
Broad arm sling - 2 weeks

Asses neurovascular status before and after

Question 7

Complications of shoulder dislocation

Answer 7

Bony Bankart lesions
- fractures of anterior inferior glenoid bone

Hill-Sachs defect
- impaction injures on posterior + superior portions of humeral head

Humerus fractures

Bankart lesions
- avulsions of anterior labrum and inferior glenohumeral ligament

Rotator cuff injuries