11. Faculty of Clinical Sciences
Department of Orthopedics & Trauma Medicine
Physical Traumatology I
By
JK. Mwangi
SHOULDER
DISLOCATIONS
12. Introduction
Shoulder dislocations
The shoulder / glenohumeral joint is the most dislocated major
joint in the body. REASONS?
Dislocation usually involves displacement of the humeral head
from the glenoid cavity of the scapula
13. Anatomy of the shoulder
Joint
Ball-and-socket joint
Components
Humeral head – ball
Glenoid fossa – socket
Stabilizing structures
Dynamic stabilizers
Static stabilizers
14. Anatomy of the shoulder
Shoulder stabilizers
Statis stabilizers
Glenoid labrum
Glenohumeral ligaments
Negative intra-articular pressure
Dynamic stabilizers (muscles and tendons)
Rotator cuff muscles – SITS
Rotator interval
Long head of the biceps
17. Anterior dislocations (95-97%)
The humeral head is displaced forward in relation to the
glenoid
Mechanism of injury
Forceful abduction, external rotation and extension
FOOSH injuries
Forceful overhead movements – throwing sports
Associated injuries
Hill-Sachs lesion
Bankart lesion
Axillary nerve injury
18. Anterior dislocations (95-97%)
Clinical presentation
Symptoms
Severe shoulder pain
Inability to move the arm
Sensation of the shoulder “popping out”
Signs
Deformity
Arm held in slight abduction & external rotation
Palpable humeral head anteriorly under the coracoid process
Limited ROM
Neurovascular assessment
Axillary nerve – motor & sensory
Vascular compromise
19. Anterior Shoulder Dislocation - DIAGNOSIS
Clinical examination
Position of the arm – abducted & externally rotated
Prominent acromion posteriorly & laterally – “SQUARED OFF” shoulder
Palpable humeral head anteriorly
Reduced ROM
Imaging
Xray
AP, Axillary, Scapular Y
Humeral head ,medial & inferior to glenoid fossa
CT/MRI
r/o soft tissue injuries
r/o complex injuries
27. Anterior Shoulder Dislocation – Management
Surgical management
Recurrent shoulder instability (dislocations or subluxations; in <30yrs)
Failed closed reduction
Bankart lesion
Hill-Sachs lesion
Rotator cuff tears
Bilateral instability
First-time dislocations in select cases
Young active pts with high risk of recurrence (contact sports, <30yrs)
Fracture-dislocations
Chronic shoulder dislocation
Prolonged instability, idiopathic shoulder pain, idiopathic reduced ROM
28. Anterior Shoulder Dislocation – Complications
Recurrent dislocations
Common in younger pts <30yrs & athletes
Chronic instability
May -> subluxations or recurrent dislocations
Arthritis
Post-traumatic OA due to recurrent dislocations or damage
29. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Summary
Less common than anterior dislocations; but are more commonly
missed
Acute dislocation Diagnosis is made via radiographs
Chronic dislocations can be diagnosed with presence of +ve
posterior instability provocative tests & confirmed with MRI
(posterior labral pathology)
Rx – non-op or operative depending on;
Chronicity of symptoms
Recurrent dislocations
Severity of labrum &/or glenoid defects
32. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Mechanism of injury;
Traumatic
50% of cases
Direct trauma to the anterior shoulder,
FOOSH with the arm in abduction
Microtrauma
Seizures & electric shock
33. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Mechanism of injury;
Traumatic
Microtrauma
Repetitive microtrauma
Repeated posterior stresses on the joint – overhead movements in
sports, -> chronic posterior instability or dislocation
Seizures & electric shock
34. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Mechanism of injury;
Traumatic
Microtrauma
Seizures & electric shock
Violent muscle contractions during an attack – tonic-clonic seizures, &
Severe electrical shock
These 2 can cause sudden internal rotation and adduction of the
shoulder
35. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Associated conditions
Avulsion of posterior band of IGHL
Posterior bankart lesions
Reverse Hill-Sachs lesions
Posterior labral cyst
Posterior glenoid rim fracture
37. Clinical presentation
History
Pt reports of a fall, trauma, or seizure, with an inability to move the
shoulder normally
There may be a delay in diagnosis, especially if initial radiographs miss
the dislocation
Symptoms
Signs
38. Clinical presentation
History
Pt reports of a fall, trauma, or seizure, with an inability to move the
shoulder normally
There may be a delay in diagnosis, especially if initial radiographs miss
the dislocation
Symptoms
Pain in the shoulder, especially with attempts at movement
A feeling of instability or locking
Signs
39. Clinical presentation
History
Pt reports of a fall, trauma, or seizure, with an inability to move the
shoulder normally
Symptoms
Pain in the shoulder, ; A feeling of instability or locking
Signs
Flattening of the anterior shoulder contour
Prominent coracoid process
Posterior bulge due to displaced humeral head
Limited external rotation & abduction
The arm is held in INTERNAL ROTATION & ADDUCTION
40. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often delayed to subtle findings on physical exam
and imaging
Xrays
Gold standard for making a diagnosis
Ct scan
Useful in confirmation of the diagnosis & assessing associated injuries
like fractures
MRI
Helps evaluate associated soft tissue injuries, such as rotator cuff
tears or labral damage
41. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often delayed to subtle findings on physical exam
and imaging
Xrays
Gold standard for making a diagnosis
True AP view – may appear normal or show overlap of humeral head with
the glenoid
Shows a “LIGHT BULB” sign (humeral head appears rounded due to internal
rotation)
“RIM SIGN” (widening of the joint space)
Axillary view
Best to demonstrate a dislocation
45. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Management
Acute Posterior Dislocation
Closed reduction
Under sedation / GA
Traction-counter traction method
• Apply gentle traction with external rotation & abduction
Stimson method
Post-Reduction Care
Immobilization of the shoulder in a sling for a shirt period (1-2wks)
Gradual rehabilitation focusing on restoring ROM & strengthening
46. Posterior Shoulder Dislocation
Management
Chronic Posterior Dislocation
Surgical intervention
Required if the dislocation is missed or reduction is unsuccessful
ORIF – If associated with a fracture
Bone grafting or glenoid reconstruction for severe posterior defect
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in older pts with severe damage
Rehabilitation
Focuses on restoring external rotation & strength in the rotator cuff and
periscapular muscles