Atypical presentation of inferior shoulder dislocation.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Traumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Inferior shoulder dislocation (luxatio erecta) is a rare injury, comprising less than 1% of all shoulder dislocations.
• The classic presentation involves shoulder hyperabduction, often termed the 'salute position'.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of inferior shoulder dislocation in a neonate.
• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by an atypical presentation without hyperabduction.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation of a 3-day-old infant with suspected shoulder dislocation.
• Application of a specific reduction maneuver involving simultaneous longitudinal and lateral traction.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of a subglenoid inferior shoulder dislocation was confirmed.
• Successful joint reduction was achieved using the unconventional traction technique.

Conclusions:

• Atypical presentations of inferior shoulder dislocation can mimic other injuries, necessitating thorough evaluation.
• Unconventional reduction techniques may be required for challenging cases of inferior shoulder dislocation, particularly in pediatric patients.