Locked Posterior Dislocation of Shoulder With Fracture of the Lesser Tuberosity of the Humerus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction Posterior shoulder dislocation associated with fracture of the lesser tuberosity is considered as a rare shoulder trauma. It can lead to the locked shoulder with a very high possibility of unsuccessful closed reduction. Case Presentation In this case, the patient was a 30-year-old male motorcyclist with the right shoulder injury who had posterior shoulder dislocation with lesser tuberosity fracture. Early attempt for closed reduction was unsuccessful and led to iatrogenic brachial plexus injury. This patient is treated by open reduction and fracture fixation with screw. Subscapularis partial rupture was repaired. Finally, full stability was achieved. Conclusions Fracture fixation plays a crucial role in stability after reduction. Several techniques have been suggested for surgical treatment including fixation with screw and the modified McLaughlin technique. Similar to the previous case reports, according to our experience, careful attention to the fracture concomitant with posterior dislocation is of the utmost importance.