Ipsilateral Shoulder and Elbow Dislocation: A Case Report

Abstract

Simultaneous ipsilateral shoulder and elbow joint dislocation is a rare injury. In most reported cases, shoulder joint dislocation was missed and diagnosed at a later time. We present the case of a 30-year-old male who dislocated his ipsilateral shoulder and elbow joint following a motor vehicle accident. Keeping a high index of suspicion, radiographs of both joints were obtained. Under general anaesthesia, the elbow joint was reduced before the shoulder joint. In the final follow up after 1.5 years, the patient had returned to his occupation and enjoyed a full range of motion. The purpose of this report is to describe a very rare injury and to emphasise the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion in such cases.

Ipsilateral fracture dislocation of the shoulder and elbow: A case report and literature review

“…1e9 The mechanism causing combined shoulder and elbow dislocation probably involves transmission of significant energy through the upper extremity with the elbow flexed. 1,3,6,7 Decreased muscle tone may increase the risk of this combined shoulder and elbow dislocation injury. Three of the reported patients were intoxicated, 3,6,9 and one patient fell down a flight of stairs …”

“…Four of these authors described initially reducing the elbow followed by the shoulder. 1,3,6,7 Reducing the elbow first provides a more stable limb, which makes the shoulder reduction easier. In one case with an ipsilateral open humeral shaft fracture, 4 and another with an unstable elbow 5 the shoulder reduction preceded the elbow reduction.…”

Long term outcome of ipsilateral dislocation of open displaced elbow with close shoulder dislocation: a case report

“…Dislocation of the elbow joint is the second most common dislocation in adults in the upper limb, as compared to shoulder which holds the no one position. [1][2][3][4][5] However ipsilateral dislocation of shoulder is a rare entity in day to day practice and in reporting of injuries in literature. However high velocity trauma and fall from heights may impose a higher risk for such cases.…”

Ipsilateral Dislocation of Shoulder and Elbow Joints

“…Alcohol consumption was reported in some of the cases [1,3,8] and interestingly may be a risk factor as with this case report. This injury, yet complicated, may be treated with closed reduction under general anaesthesia with t he elbow joint reduced first to ensure a stable distal joint to help reduce the shoulder [3,9,10]. Furthermore, Kocher's Manoeuvre was used on this patient.…”