Irreducible Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Secondary to Both Subscapularis and Long Head of Biceps Tendon Interposition—A Case Report

Abstract

An Irreducible dislocation of the shoulder is an uncommon event. When it does occur, blocks to reduction can include bone, labrum, rotator cuff musculature or tendon. Patients older than 40 at the time of initial dislocation are at increased risk of sustaining a concomitant rotator cuff tear. We present a case of an irreducible anterior shoulder dislocation due to interposition of both subscapularis tendon and a posteriorly dislocated long head of biceps. Both Computed Tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with intraoperative findings are discussed. Conclusion: We would advocate maintaining a low threshold for MR imaging post shoulder dislocation in the older population, when there is radiological or clinical concern regarding the integrity of the rotator cuff, and also to evaluate whether a concentric reduction of the shoulder joint has been achieved.