Abstract
BackgroundTraumatic shoulder dislocation is a frequent condition presenting to the emergency department. Due to the anatomy of the shoulder, associated neurovascular damage is not uncommon. Although clinical intuition may suggest that a higher-energy mechanism is required to produce neurovascular sequelae, the existing literature does not support this supposition.Case presentationA 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a complete brachial plexus palsy from an acute anterior shoulder dislocation following a violent sneeze. The shoulder was reduced without difficulty in the emergency department within 90 min of dislocation, and the patient was discharged. Her neurologic deficits gradually improved through a program of supervised therapy and orthopedic care. Follow-up at 1 year revealed marked improvement of motor and sensory function of the affected extremity with mild residual weakness and paresthesias in the affected hand.ConclusionNeurovascular injuries in the setting of shoulder dislocation may be present despite low-energy injury mechanisms.
Highlights
BackgroundTraumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common joint dislocation, affecting 44.3 people per 100,000 annually [1]
Traumatic shoulder dislocation is a frequent condition presenting to the emergency department
We present a case in which a patient sustained a complete brachial plexus palsy following anterior shoulder dislocation from a violent sneeze
Summary
Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation is the most common joint dislocation, affecting 44.3 people per 100,000 annually [1]. Individuals are at risk for neurologic and vascular complications following shoulder dislocation due to the proximity of the brachial plexus and the axillary artery. We present a case in which a patient sustained a complete brachial plexus palsy following anterior shoulder dislocation from a violent sneeze. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report. Case presentation A 55-year-old woman presented to a community hospital emergency department with an acute anterior right shoulder dislocation with ipsilateral upper extremity paresthesias and weakness following a violent sneeze.
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