Arthroscopic evaluation and management after repeated luxatio erecta of the glenohumeral joint

Luxatio erecta, inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint, is a relatively rare type of glenohumeral dislocation, accounting for <0.5% of all shoulder dislocations. It has been well described in terms of presentation and conservative management. Arthroscopic findings after the more commonly found anteroinferior glenohumeral dislocation have also been described. However, we know of only 1 case report that details the arthroscopic findings and open surgical management in a patient who sustained a single episode of luxatio erecta. Additionally, we were unable to find any reports in the literature of the arthroscopic management of this type of dislocation. We present the arthroscopic findings and arthroscopic management of an 18-year-old male college football player who reported 7 episodes of left shoulder luxatio erecta. Arthroscopic evaluation revealed an extensive anterior capsulolabral injury as well as a superior labrum anteroposterior (SLAP) tear. Additionally, there were extensive articular cartilage changes of the anterosuperior glenoid, a posterior Hill-Sachs lesion, and an anterosuperior humeral head cartilage indentation. The anterior capsulolabral injury and the SLAP lesion were fixed arthroscopically with suture anchors. The remainder of the lesions were debrided. The patient was able to return to college-level football and reported no further episodes of instability, pain, or stiffness at 3-year follow-up.