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Shoulder dislocation

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  • I can see a dislocated right shoulder with greater tuberosity fracture and the shoulder is kept abducted. This suggests anterior dislocation. I would like to see the velpeau/axillary view to confirm this. I will also ensure that the injury is closed, isolated and the limb is neurovasculary intact.

  • I will attempt a gentle closed relocation of the shoulder under sedation, keeping in mind that presence of a fracture can make this attempt difficult and complicate the injury by causing further fractures proximally.

  • If this attempt fails, I will arrange for an emergency table first in the morning trauma list. I will inform my consultant as this may require open reduction.

  • If the shoulder could be closely reduced, I will immobile the limb in shoulder immobiliser. Post reduction I will check for stability and NV status and arrange for a CT. I that shows displacement of GT/ other fracture, I will offer open reduction and internal fixation

  • I can see AP view of right shoulder with shoulder seems kept adducted. There is reduced overlap between head and the glenoid and head appears like a light bulb. I suspect posterior dislocation of shoulder and would like to see a velpeau/axillary view.

  • The axillary view confirms that there is posterior dislocation and there is also engaging Hill Sachs lesion. I will ensure that the injury is isolated closed and limb is neurovascularly intact.

  • I anticipate that the relocation under sedation will be difficult and will arrange for a closed reduction under anaesthesia. I will inform my consultant, in case opening become necessary. Post reduction I will check for stability and NV status

  • I will take a CT post reduction. I will immobile the shoulder for 3 weeks and start RC and peri scapular strengthening. If the shoulder is deemed unstable, I will take MRI arthrogram to look for labral pathology. If there is posterior banker lesion, the principle is to perform an open or arthroscopic repair and posterior capsular shift.

  • For Hill Sachs lesion

    • <25%: Remplisage
    • 25-50%: Subscapularis transfer
    • 50%: LT transfer, Modified Mclaughlin procedure

Written/reviewed by Kishore Puthezhath

Professor of Orthopaedics and Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon

FRCS (Tr & Orth) revision resource

Reviewed: September 2026