Irreducible shoulder dislocation - a word of caution

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common injury, typically managed with closed reduction.
• Failure of closed reduction may indicate interposition of soft tissues or bone fragments.

Observation:

• A case of irreducible anterior shoulder dislocation was encountered.
• The musculocutaneous nerve was identified as being interposed within the dislocated joint.

Findings:

• Open reduction was necessary to address the irreducible dislocation.
• The musculocutaneous nerve was entrapped by the torn long head of the biceps tendon.
• Surgical release of the entrapped nerve was performed successfully.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare cause of irreducible shoulder dislocation.
• Highlights the importance of considering neurovascular structures during shoulder dislocation management.
• Suggests open reduction may be required in complex, irreducible cases involving nerve entrapment.