From reduction to replacement: a reconstructibility-based framework for chronic locked shoulder dislocations

Chronic locked glenohumeral dislocation is uncommon, and treatment algorithms have traditionally relied heavily on defect-size thresholds. This review proposes a unified, surgery-oriented framework for chronic locked anterior and posterior dislocations based on joint reconstructibility rather than defect size alone.

A narrative review considered PubMed-indexed literature on chronic, locked or neglected glenohumeral dislocation, including reduction techniques, joint-preserving reconstruction and arthroplasty. Shoulder-instability literature was used selectively to support biomechanical or technical principles as indirect evidence.

Treatment is structured around four sequential steps: REDUCE, achieving safe reduction at an acceptable biological cost; ASSESS, determining whether the reduced joint remains reconstructible; RESTORE, identifying and treating the lesion compromising stability; and REPLACE, when durable reconstruction is unlikely. Defect-size ranges overlap substantially between procedures and should not be interpreted as isolated thresholds. Anterior reduction should prioritize subscapularis preservation, followed by targeted correction of glenoid, humeral or combined pathology. Posterior reduction requires humeral-head disimpaction before reduction and subsequent stability reassessment. Modified McLaughlin is an established joint-preserving option for selected intermediate reverse Hill-Sachs defects, although increasing duration of dislocation has been independently associated with worse functional outcomes following this procedure. Anatomical reconstruction may preserve viable humeral heads with larger defects, whereas arthroplasty is considered when reliable reconstruction is unlikely.

Treatment should integrate defect morphology and size with chronicity, joint viability, glenoid bone stock, cuff and subscapularis integrity, reducibility, post-reduction stability and patient factors. The REDUCE-ASSESS-RESTORE-REPLACE framework provides a practical decision architecture for chronic locked dislocation in both directions.