Primary traumatic shoulder dislocation associated with rotator cuff tear in the elderly.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Geriatric Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• The shoulder joint is highly susceptible to instability, with dislocations comprising a significant portion of major joint dislocations.
• Primary traumatic shoulder dislocation is a common injury, particularly in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in elderly patients.
• To highlight the association between primary traumatic shoulder dislocation and rotator cuff tears in this demographic.
• To emphasize the importance of evaluating and managing rotator cuff injuries in elderly patients with shoulder dislocation.

Main Methods:

• Case report and narrative review of two elderly female patients (63 and 100 years old) presenting with shoulder dislocation.
• Surgical intervention, including arthroscopy and open reduction, was performed.
• Detailed intraoperative findings and subsequent rotator cuff repair were documented.

Main Results:

• Both patients presented with symptoms of instability, pain, and restricted shoulder movement.
• Case 1 revealed synovitis, biceps tendinitis, subscapularis and supraspinatus tendon tears, and bursitis.
• Case 2 demonstrated complete detachment of the infraspinatus tendon.

Conclusions:

• Primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in the elderly is frequently accompanied by rotator cuff tears.
• Effective management of associated rotator cuff injuries is essential to prevent chronic shoulder instability and recurrent dislocations.