2009 Reduction of Inferior Shoulder Joint Dislocation eMedicine Procedures

Description: Inferior glenohumeral dislocations, also known as luxatio erecta, are extremely uncommon, accounting for less than 1% of all shoulder dislocations. Most inferior dislocations result from forceful hyperabduction of the shoulder. Hyperabduction of the glenohumeral joint initially results in impingement of the humeral head against the acromion. The leverage caused by this impingement in the setting of forceful hyperabduction ultimately drives the humeral head downward, causing it to disrupt the inferior portion of the glenohumeral capsule and dislocate. Forceful, direct axial loading of an abducted shoulder can also result in luxatio erecta.
Anantha K Mallia, DO Updated: Jun 7, 2009