Locked anterior-inferior shoulder subluxation presenting as luxatio erecta

Shoulder subluxation may present as a complication of either traumatic injury to a joint, repetitive mictrotrauma, or atraumatic joint laxity. The case of a middle-aged man who presented with a confusing clinical picture similar to inferior shoulder dislocation, luxatio erecta, with a radiographic diagnosis of anterior-inferior shoulder subluxation is discussed. An understanding of the differential diagnosis of shoulder dislocation and subluxation and the management of atypical presentations is critical to the emergency physician.