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Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Fatal Outcome After Reduction of a Superior Shoulder Dislocation, A Case Report and Literature Review: A Case Report
Carlos Alberto Valdivia Zúñiga1, Alessandro Nilo Fulvi
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Hospital General Regional 1 IMSS, Mérida, Yucatán, México.
Case:
An 81-year-old woman presented a superior glenohumeral dislocation after a low-energy fall, with a mechanism of axial load while the shoulder was in adduction and extension. After successful closed reduction, the patient presented sudden symptoms of severe vascular injury with a protruding axillary hematoma and hypovolemic shock.
Conclusion:
Superior shoulder dislocations and vascular injuries are extremely rare among shoulder dislocations, especially after low-energy trauma. Vascular injuries may result in limb compromise and death. We highlight the importance of high clinical suspicion, particularly in superior dislocations, and the importance of prompt management of vascular complications to avoid catastrophic outcomes.