Ipsilateral shoulder and elbow dislocation: a case report

Ipsilateral Shoulder and Elbow Dislocation

BACKGROUND

Shoulder dislocations and elbow dislocations are common presentations to the emergency department (ED). Simultaneous ipsilateral elbow and shoulder dislocations are rarely reported and typically occur secondary to trauma.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old female presented to the ED after a fall from standing and complained of upper right extremity pain. Radiographs revealed posterior dislocation of the right elbow and anterior dislocation of the right shoulder without fractures. Successful reduction of the elbow and shoulder were both achieved, and the patient was placed in a long-arm splint and sling. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case describes the unique mechanism of injury of a simultaneous ipsilateral shoulder and elbow dislocation without trauma.

Ipsilateral fracture dislocation of the shoulder and elbow: A case report and literature review

Ipsilateral dislocation of the shoulder and elbow is an uncommon injury. A literature review identified nine previously described cases. We are reporting a unique case of ipsilateral posterior shoulder dislocation and anterior elbow dislocation along with concomitant intra-articular fractures of both joints. This is the first report describing this combination of injuries. Successful treatment generally occurs with closed reduction of ipsilateral shoulder and elbow dislocations, usually reducing the elbow first. When combined with a fracture at one or both locations, closed reduction of the dislocations in conjunction with appropriate fracture management can result in a positive functional outcome.