All-Arthroscopic Management of Locked Posterior Shoulder Dislocation: Reduction Under Direct Visualization and Treatment of Intra-articular Pathologies

Abstract

Locked posterior shoulder dislocation (LPSD) is a rare condition often overlooked. In most cases, the humeral head remains stuck behind the glenoid, causing an impression fracture in 40% to 90% of LPSD cases, known as a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. The condition also affects the posterior capsulolabral complex and leads to the formation of scar tissue under the coracoid and subscapularis tendon, making it challenging to reduce without surgery. Although open treatment has been successful, it does not address the posterior capsulolabral complex. Arthroscopic-assisted reduction provides a more detailed view and better exposure to the posterior structures. This article details a reproducible arthroscopic surgical technique for treating the locked dislocation and all intra-articular pathology in a single-stage procedure for patients with less than 25% reverse Hill-Sachs bone loss.