Intrathoracic Scapular Dislocation After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

A 75-year-old woman status post total shoulder arthroplasty and posterior rib resection 29 years previously experienced a low-energy intrathoracic scapular dislocation (ISD). Closed reduction under anesthesia was unsuccessful, and she required open surgical repair performed by a novel modification of Kibler's technique for medial scapular muscle repair.

This case is unique because increased range of motion after successful arthroplasty allowed her shoulder to flex forward enough to result in ISD. Successful surgical repair was performed by a technique previously not described.