Luxatio Erecta Humeri: A Case Report

Luxatio erecta humeri (LEH) is a rare type of inferior shoulder dislocation (ISD) and easy misdiagnosed or missed. We reported a case of a traumatic LEH with a radiological interpretation of ISD. We felt that the physical presentation was compatible with the LHE type and the closed reduction by the traction and countertraction method we accomplished without complications.

We present a case of 38-year-old man with a LEH. We performed for the early diagnosis the clinical examination and the X-rays. We felt that the physical presentation was compatible with an erecta dislocation of the humerus, whereas radiologically, this injury was interpreted simply as the inferior dislocation of the right shoulder. The closed reduction by the traction and countertraction method was accomplished without complications. We kept the reduction with a Velpeau arm sling shoulder immobilizer brace for 3 weeks and after a shoulder rehabilitation, the outcome was good.

The luxation erecta humeri is a type of ISD still little known but the singular and unmistakable physical presentation should allow for an early diagnosis to obtain an easy closed reduction and a good outcome.