Traumatic Posterior Shoulder Dislocation during Judo in a Child and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

• Traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation is exceptionally rare in pediatric populations.
• Common causes include obstetrical brachial plexus injury, congenital glenohumeral abnormalities, and voluntary multidirectional dislocations.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old male judo athlete presented with a traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation.
• Clinical signs included an adducted and internally rotated right upper limb, with restricted external rotation.
• Diagnosis was confirmed using Bloom-Obata axial views and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Findings:

• Closed reduction under general anesthesia was successfully performed.
• Post-reduction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed no associated injuries.
• The patient regained full shoulder mobility within 18 months.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation in children are crucial for optimal outcomes.
• Awareness of this rare condition is vital for pediatric orthopedic specialists and sports medicine professionals.
• Timely intervention facilitates effective treatment and complete functional recovery.