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Traumatic Posterior Shoulder Dislocation during Judo in a Child and Literature Review
R Dukan1, Y Ouchrif1, C Glorion1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France.
Insights
Traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation is rare in children but treatable with early diagnosis. Prompt reduction ensures full shoulder mobility recovery.
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.
Introduction:
Traumatic posterior dislocation of the shoulder is exceedingly rare in pediatric patients. Main causes are obstetrical brachial plexus injury; congenital abnormalities of the glenohumeral joint; and voluntary dislocation, which are often multidirectional. Treatment is not consusual and depends on early diagnosis.
Case Report:
Posterior shoulder dislocation was diagnosed in a 9-year-old boy while practicing judo. His right upper limb was held adducted and internally rotated and could not be externally rotated. Bloom-Obata axial view and computed tomography-scan allowed us to make the diagnosis. Reduction was performed under general anesthesia. No injuries were detected on post-reduction magnetic resonance imaging. At 18 months patient had recovered all his shoulder mobility.
Conclusion:
Traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation is exceedingly rare in pediatric patients. Treatment is easy and effective at the acute phase. Awareness of the presentation of posterior shoulder dislocation is crucial to allow the early diagnosis and treatment.
