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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Luxatio erecta complicated by anterior shoulder dislocation during reduction.
Allison C Lam1, Richard D Shih
1Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville, NJ.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|April 23, 2010
Summary
Luxatio erecta humeri, an inferior shoulder dislocation, typically reduces easily. This case report details an unusual complication where reduction attempts converted it to an anterior dislocation, a situation not found in prior literature.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Traumatology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Luxatio erecta humeri is a rare inferior glenohumeral dislocation.
- Traction-counter traction is the standard reduction technique.
- Complications during reduction are infrequently reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique complication during the reduction of luxatio erecta humeri.
- To highlight the potential for iatrogenic repositioning to an anterior dislocation.
- To contribute to the literature on shoulder dislocation management.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with luxatio erecta humeri.
- Description of reduction attempts and the resulting complication.
- Literature review for similar reported cases.
Main Results:
- Initial reduction attempts of luxatio erecta humeri resulted in an anterior shoulder dislocation.
- No similar cases were identified in a comprehensive literature search.
- This represents a novel complication in the management of inferior shoulder dislocations.
Conclusions:
- Reduction of luxatio erecta humeri can paradoxically lead to anterior dislocation.
- Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication.
- Further investigation into reduction mechanics may be warranted.