Skeletal Trauma > Shoulder > Anterior Dislocation

Anterior Dislocation

Anterior Dislocation As the name implies, an anterior dislocation of the shoulder results in displacement of the humeral head anterior to the glenoid cavity. More then 95% of all shoulder dislocations are anterior. This injury results from application of indirect force to the arm through a combination of abduction, extension, and external rotation. Impaction of the humeral head on the glenoid can cause avulsion of the inferior aspect of the anterior labrum. This injury is known as a Bankart fracture and is commonly associated with anterior shoulder dislocations.

AP View of Anterior Dislocation

The axillary view is very valuable in clarifying the location of the humeral head. Always look carefully at the axillary view.

Axillary View of Anterior Dislocation