Acute Dislocation of Shoulder – Clinical Presentation

There would be history of trauma to shoulder and patient would present with severe pain in the shoulder.
The shoulder would be held in position of typical attitude depending on direction of dislocation.

Anterior Dislocation

The physical examination is almost diagnostic.

Muscles are in spasm because there is an attempt to  stabilize the joint. The head of humerus may be palpable anteriorly especially in case of thin patients. The glenoid area appears  hollow. The attitude of uper limb is abduction and external rotation at the shoulder.

Patient is unable to perform adduction and internal rotation (Duga’s Test).

A detailed examinaton to look for neural and vascular injury should be done. Axillary nerve is a commonly injured nerve in anterior dislocaion of shoulder, therefore should be always looked for.

Posterior Dislocation

The shoulder is held in the traditional sling position of adduction and internal rotation. The classic features of a posterior dislocation include:

• Limited external rotation of the shoulder
• Limited elevation of the arm – often to less than 90 degrees
• Posterior prominence and rounding of the shoulde
• Flattening of the anterior aspect of the shoulder
• Prominence of the coracoid process

In both kind of injuries treatment is reduction of the dislocation preferably closed

Related posts:

1. Acute Dislocation of Shoulder – Mechanism of Injury
2. Acute Anterior Dislocation of Shoulder – Treatment
3. Posterior Dislocation of Shoulder – Presentation and Treatement
4. Radiographic Studies In Shoulder Dislocation
5. Congenital Dislocation Of The Shoulder