Traumatic inferior shoulder dislocation: A case report with a comprehensive review of acute care and post-reduction management strategies

Background: Traumatic inferior shoulder dislocation is a rare kind of shoulder dislocation that accounts for less than 5 % of all shoulder dislocations. It usually occurs after a fall with the arms lifted. After observing three cases at our hospital, we decided to perform a literature analysis to assess the associated and concomitant injuries that occur with luxatio erecta humeri (LEH), as well as the clinical outcomes. Case report: We present case studies of traumatic LEH in male patients. Cases 1 and 2 both had concomitant lower limb injuries, whereas Case 3 had a brachial plexus injury. In all cases, traction-countertraction was used to successfully execute emergent closed reduction. At 18 months of follow-up, Case 2 reported instability and persistent pain. Case 1 had a greater tuberosity fracture that was successfully treated non-surgically. Discussion: Although inferior shoulder dislocations are rare, concomitant and associated injuries are not uncommon. Following a closed reduction and a brief period of immobility, the outcomes are generally favourable. However, concomitant injuries requiring referral for orthopaedic care are reported in literature. Conclusion: In patients presenting with inferior shoulder dislocation, clinicians should have high index of suspicion for concomitant intrinsic shoulder injuries, requiring advanced imaging and referral to orthopaedic surgeons.