Posterior shoulder dislocation

Background

• Via forceful internal rotation/adduction (sz, electric shock) or blow to ant shoulder
• Neurovascular and rotator cuff tears are less common than in ant dislocations

Clinical Features

• Prominence of posterior shoulder and ant flattening of normal shoulder contour
• Pt unable to rotate or abduct affected arm

Diagnosis

Imaging

• Scapular "Y" view shows humeral head in posterior position

Differential Diagnosis

• Shoulder dislocation
  • Anterior shoulder dislocation
  • Posterior shoulder dislocation
  • Inferior shoulder dislocation

Management

• Reduce
  • Traction applied to adducted arm in long axis of humerus
  • Assistant pushes humeral head anteriorly into glenoid fossa
• Spling, ortho f/u

See Also

• Shoulder dislocation