Luxatio erecta--two cases without direct injury

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Erect dislocation of the shoulder is a rare injury.
• It can occur in athletes, particularly in racket sports.
• Often misdiagnosed as a more common anterior dislocation.

Observation:

• Two cases of erect shoulder dislocation during racket sports are presented.
• Neither case involved falls or direct trauma to the shoulder.
• One patient had an unrecognized brachial plexus injury, delaying reduction and impairing neurological recovery.

Findings:

• Erect dislocation of the shoulder is a distinct clinical entity.
• This injury has a high incidence of associated neurological damage.
• Standard reduction methods for anterior dislocations may be inadequate.

Implications:

• Clinicians must be aware of erect shoulder dislocation as a separate diagnosis.
• Early identification and appropriate reduction techniques are essential.
• Timely management can improve neurological outcomes and prevent long-term complications.