Luxatio erecta: a rarely seen, but often missed shoulder dislocation.
Luxatio erecta is an uncommon disorder and presents in a unique, unusual manner. Luxatio erecta is often misdiagnosed as an anterior dislocation. The presentation is unmistakable and classic: the arm hyperabducted and locked above the head. Neurovascular injuries consist of neuropraxia of brachial plexus, radial and ulnar nerve. Vascular injuries are complicated by intimal tears, transections, and/or thrombosis of the axillary artery or vein. Reduction is done with the traction and countertraction maneuver. Once it is reduced the arm is then placed and maintained with a sling in adduction to the chest. Orthopedic referral is required because of the high incidence of rotator cuff injury.
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Earl K Long Medical Center/Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Louisiana State University, Emergency Medicine Residency Program, 70805-2498, USA.
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011403:Pronation; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods