Shoulder

Shoulder Subluxation

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Shoulder Subluxation, Glenohumeral Subluxation, Humeral Head Subluxation

  • See Also
  1. Shoulder Dislocation
  2. Glenohumeral Instability
  • Definitions
  1. Shoulder Subluxation (Humeral Head Subluxation)
    1. Inferior displacement of the humeral head
  • Causes
  1. Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations and chronic Glenohumeral Instability
  2. Hypotonicity
  3. Shoulder Fracture
  4. Neuropathy (e.g. Brachial Neuritis)
  5. Cerebrovascular Accident or other CNS Disorder
  • Exam
  1. See Shoulder Exam
  • Diagnostics
  1. Electromyogram (EMG)
    1. Evaluates for neuropathic cause
    2. Indicated for atraumatic subluxation
  • Management
  1. See Shoulder Instability
  2. Avoid forceful Shoulder reduction techniques such as traction-countertraction (risk of injury)
  3. Early outpatient rehabilitation Exercises (after injury healed)
    1. Shoulder Range of Motion Exercises
    2. Shoulder Strength Exercises
      1. Strengthen Rotator Cuff and periscapular musculature
  • Course
  1. Muscle tone returns after injury resolves
  • References
  1. Saint-Hilaire (2026) Crit Dec Emerg Med 40(10): 22-3