Watch out for luxatio erecta of the shoulder

Traumatic inferior dislocation of the shoulder (also termed "luxatio erecta") is a very rare injury. The correct diagnosis may be overlooked and results after reduction can often result in significant morbidity of the affected joint. It is described in a clinical case in which a male adult reported a luxatio erecta that was correctly diagnosed and reduced with uneventful recovery. Since it is a quite rare event in the emergency room, a careful review of the literature warned us about potential pitfalls in diagnosis and treatment of this peculiar injury. Our brief case report is intended to furnish educational images and stress the importance of a correct clinical and radiographic evaluation.