There are two main types of dislocation (3)
Anterior Dislocation
- An anterior shoulder dislocation means that the humeral head is forced anteriorly
- Anterior means "forward"
- This is the most common type, making up 95-98% of shoulder dislocations
- This kind of dislocation is caused by arm abduction, extension and a posterior force on arm
- An anterior bulge will be seen in the patient, instead of the normal roundness of a shoulder
- The rotator cuff is frequently damaged after this type of dislocation
- A patient will hold their arm at the side of their body in an externally rotated position
image: http://www.methodistorthopedics.com/shoulder-dislocations
Anterior Dislocation
- An anterior shoulder dislocation means that the humeral head is forced anteriorly
- Anterior means "forward"
- This is the most common type, making up 95-98% of shoulder dislocations
- This kind of dislocation is caused by arm abduction, extension and a posterior force on arm
- An anterior bulge will be seen in the patient, instead of the normal roundness of a shoulder
- The rotator cuff is frequently damaged after this type of dislocation
- A patient will hold their arm at the side of their body in an externally rotated position
image: http://www.methodistorthopedics.com/shoulder-dislocations
Posterior Dislocation
- The humeral head is forced posteriorly
- Posterior means "backwards"
- This type of dislocation is less common
- The patient will generally keep their arm internally rotated and adducted
- A posterior bulge is seen in the patient
- Abduction and external rotation is not comfortable for the patient to do
image: http://www.methodistorthopedics.com/shoulder-dislocations