Open Reduction of a Posteriorly Locked Shoulder Dislocation: A Case Example

Accreditation Statement: The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation:  OTA designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the basic approach to surgical intervention of a chronic shoulder dislocation in a stepwise manner. 

2. Describe radiographic and CT imaging findings consistent with a chronic shoulder dislocation.     

3. Describe soft tissue management options for surgical intervention of chronic posterior locked shoulder dislocation.  

Faculty

• Author: Lea McDaniel, MD

Original release date: 2/18/2025

Expiration date: 2/18/2028

Estimated time to complete activity: 5 minutes (part of a 1-hour package)

Statement of Need/Description/or Summary of Gap Analysis

Posterior shoulder dislocations are less common than anterior dislocations but present unique challenges in both diagnosis and management. While conservative measures may be opted for in certain cases, surgical intervention is often necessary to achieve optimal outcomes, particularly in cases of recurrent instability, irreducible dislocations, or associated injuries. Locked posterior shoulder dislocations are characterized by the humeral head trapped posteriorly to the glenoid rim. This is often caused by soft tissue interposition or bony impingement. This article aims to outline a comprehensive surgical technique for locked posterior shoulder dislocation, emphasizing on anatomical reduction and joint stabilization. 

Instructional Format: This Orthopaedic Trauma Association Video CME activity consists of a video and a quiz. 

Method of Participation: There are no fees for members to participate in this activity. Non-members must pay $10 per 0.5 credit hour. This package will be $20 total. To claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ credit, participants must read the front matter, watch the video, and complete an evaluation. 

Disclosures:

The Orthopaedic Trauma Association has implemented a policy to comply with the current Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education requiring mitigation of all conflicts of interest. Faculty declaring a relevant commercial interest must be identified in the activity syllabus and/or program.

In accordance with disclosure policies of OTA and the ACCME, every effort has been made to ensure all CME activities are balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous. These policies include complying with ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and mitigating all relevant conflicts of interest for all individuals in control of content.  

All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated

All disclosures are available on the "Disclosure" tab of the package.

Disclaimer: The information in this educational activity is provided for general medical education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient's medical condition. The viewpoints expressed in this CME activity are those of the authors/faculty. They do not represent an endorsement by the OTA.  In no event will the OTA be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance upon the information provided through this CME activity.

Commercial Support: There is no commercial support for this activity