Traumatic Shoulder Dislocations

Three types of shoulder dislocations (glenohumeral) are distinguished according to the direction of displacement of the humeral head: anterior, posterior, and inferior dislocations. Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation typically occurs in young active males and accounts for more than 95% of all shoulder dislocations. It is very common in sports-related injuries and domestic accidents. Recurrent anterior dislocation may occur in up to 80% of patients who sustain an initial episode of dislocation under the age of 25 years.