Type and Diagnosis of Lesions Associated with Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

Abstract

Objective: Anterior dislocations are common large joint dislocations due to the anatomical structure and mobility of the shoulder joint and are seen in 1-2% of the population. The most common form is a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, approximately 90-95%. The lesions accompanying traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation are mostly Bankart and Hill-Sachs lesions, rotator cuff tear, tuberculum major fracture, and neurological injury. This study evaluates osseous, neurological, and soft tissue lesions in traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. Material and Methods: Eighty-four patients (male:62, female:22) who applied to our center due to traumatic shoulder dislocation between January 2014 and January 2021 were evaluated. Demographic data of the patients and accompanying shoulder circumference lesions were detected. The types of lesions were grouped as isolated and combined. The lesions were diagnosed clinically and radiologically (shoulder radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.4 (18-81) years, 62 were male, and 22 were female. Dislocation-related lesions were detected in 61.1% of the patients. The lesions were seen as isolated and combined. While rotator cuff tears were the most common isolated lesions, Bankart + Hill-Sachs lesions were the most common combined lesions. Conclusion: Isolated or combined lesions accompanying traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations are common and cause shoulder instability when not treated. It is detected by clinical examination and MRI after a dislocation to diagnose associated lesions. We recommend performing a shoulder MRI to detect associated lesions after shoulder dislocation.