POSTERIOR SHOULDER DISLOCATION

Question 1

Mechanism

Answer 1

Fall on anterior aspect of shoulder
Electricity
Epilepsy
Ethanol

Question 2

X-RAY

Answer 2

Shoulder Series: AP, Lateral Scapular “Y” View
AP - “gun barrel” or “light bulb” sign

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

Traction then anterior pressure on posterior humeral head with external rotation
Stable: immobilizer
Unstable: ED -> ortho

Question 4

Complications

Answer 4

Recurrence (MC complication)
Proximal humeral fractures (incidence increases with age)
Reversed Hill-Sachs deformity (humeral head bony defect)
Bankart lesion (glenoid labral defect)
Posterior Bony-Bankart lesion (glenoid bony defect)
Rotator cuff tears (less common)
Neurovascular injuries (Axiallry a. & n.) (rare)