Unusual presentation of bilateral inferior shoulder dislocation following a trivial fall in an elderly female: a case report

Abstract

Background. Bilateral inferior dislocation of the shoulder joint is infrequent. This usually results following significant impact from forceful hyperabduction or direct axial loading in the abducted position. We describe the case of bilateral inferior shoulder dislocation following a trivial fall on outstretched arms in an elderly female. A 75-year-old female who was on treatment for type 2 diabetes and hypertension, presented to the emergency department with painful inability to move both shoulders following a trivial fall. Her both shoulders were fixed at the 90 degree abducted position, the acromion processes were prominently palpable and both humeral heads were palpable in the axillae. X-ray confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral inferior dislocation of the shoulder joint. Closed reduction was successfully achieved using a single step levering manoeuvre with one hand applying traction at 90 degree abduction and the other hand levering the humeral head towards the glenoid. Post-procedure was uneventful with satisfactory functional outcomes. We described an unusual presentation of bilateral inferior dislocation of the shoulder joint following a trivial fall in an elderly female. The single step levering manoeuvre was successful in achieving reduction.