title: Case report and rehabilitative management of a complete musculocutaneous nerve injury caused by shoulder dislocation.
abstract: Anterior shoulder dislocation can secondarily cause nerve injury and/or rotator cuff tear. An elderly male with a recent shoulder dislocation and multiple medical comorbidities was transferred to a rehabilitation inpatient service in order to maximize his functional status. Physical exam suggested a brachial plexus injury. Electrodiagnostic testing confirmed a complete musculocutaneous and a partial axillary nerve lesion. This specific combination of nerve lesions is a previously unreported complication of anterior shoulder dislocation. Prognosis and treatment are discussed, particularly the use of electrodiagnostic findings to tailor rehabilitation program design.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Silver