Ipsilateral Shoulder and Elbow Dislocation Without Fracture: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Simultaneous ipsilateral elbow and shoulder dislocations are exceptionally rare orthopedic injuries.
• Existing literature lacks documented cases involving posterior shoulder dislocation alongside elbow dislocation.
• These injuries typically occur without associated fractures or other significant trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of simultaneous posterior elbow and posterior shoulder dislocation.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenge posed by elbow dislocations potentially masking concurrent shoulder injuries.
• To advocate for a heightened clinical suspicion for associated injuries in elbow dislocation cases.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 28-year-old male athlete presenting with simultaneous posterior left elbow and shoulder dislocation.
• Conservative management involving bedside reduction of the elbow, followed by shoulder reduction.
• Post-reduction immobilization with a sling.

Main Results:

• The patient sustained a simultaneous posterior left elbow dislocation and posterior left shoulder dislocation.
• No associated fractures or other injuries were identified.
• Successful conservative management with closed reduction of both joints.

Conclusions:

• This case represents the first reported instance of simultaneous posterior elbow and posterior shoulder dislocation.
• Elbow pain can obscure the diagnosis of concomitant shoulder injuries, necessitating a high index of suspicion.
• Clinicians should carefully assess for associated injuries of adjacent structures in patients with elbow dislocations.