Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Shoulder dislocation classification
Introduction
Classification
Classification
Anterior dislocation is usually the result of direct or indirect trauma, with the arm forced into abduction and external rotation. It is the most frequent type of shoulder dislocation (represents more than 90% of injuries).
In posterior dislocation, the humeral head is forced posteriorly in internal rotation. Posterior dislocations account for 2%–4% of all shoulder dislocations. In adults, convulsive disorder is the most common cause. Electrocution is a classic but uncommon cause of posterior shoulder dislocation. Bilateral dislocations are not infrequent.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jumana Nagarwala, M.D., Senior Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]