Luxatio erecta: A rarely seen, but often missed shoulder dislocation

Abstract

Luxatio erecta is an uncommon disorder and presents in a unique, unusual manner. Luxatio erecta is often misdiagnosed as an anterior dislocation. The presentation is unmistakable and classic: the arm hyperabducted and locked above the head. Neurovascular injuries consist of neuropraxia of brachial plexus, radial and ulnar nerve. Vascular injuries are complicated by intimal tears, transections, and/or thrombosis of the axillary artery or vein. Reduction is done with the traction and countertraction maneuver. Once it is reduced the arm is then placed and maintained with a sling in adduction to the chest. Orthopedic referral is required because of the high incidence of rotator cuff injury. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.