Case: An 81-year-old woman presented a superior glenohumeral dislocation after a low-energy fall, with a mechanism of axial load while the shoulder was in adduction and extension. After successful closed reduction, the patient presented sudden symptoms of severe vascular injury with a protruding axillary hematoma and hypovolemic shock.
Conclusion: Superior shoulder dislocations and vascular injuries are extremely rare among shoulder dislocations, especially after low-energy trauma. Vascular injuries may result in limb compromise and death. We highlight the importance of high clinical suspicion, particularly in superior dislocations, and the importance of prompt management of vascular complications to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
Copyright © 2021 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.