[Posterior dislocation of the shoulder, challenges in diagnosis and management]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Posterior glenohumeral dislocation is an uncommon injury, representing less than 3% of all shoulder dislocations.
• Common causes include trauma, seizures, and electrocution.
• Diagnosis is frequently missed (50-80%) due to subtle clinical indicators and insufficient imaging compared to anterior dislocations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges of posterior shoulder dislocation.
• To provide a clear management strategy from initial diagnosis through treatment.
• To reduce misdiagnosis rates and improve patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on posterior glenohumeral dislocations.
• Analysis of diagnostic challenges and imaging modalities.
• Proposal of a standardized management protocol.

Main Results:

• Posterior dislocations present with less obvious signs than anterior ones, leading to delayed diagnosis.
• Missed diagnoses can result in serious complications, including recurrent instability, arthritis, and avascular necrosis.
• Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment and preventing long-term sequelae.

Conclusions:

• Highlighting diagnostic difficulties is key to improving recognition of posterior shoulder dislocations.
• A structured approach to diagnosis and management can mitigate the risks of complications.
• Timely intervention improves the success rate of treatment for posterior glenohumeral dislocation.