The shoulder and elbow

Abstract

Congenital dislocation of the shoulder is very rare. It is usually associated with other significant anomalies in the upper limb, such as absence of the radius and deficiency or absence of part of the humerus. On examination, the humerus is unstable in all directions and the condition is normally painless. The shoulder is small, with deficiency of the deltoid, the pectorals, and other periscapular muscles. Radiographs show a small scapula, with an underdeveloped glenoid. The proximal portion of the humerus may be deficient. There is no satisfactory surgical treatment for this condition, but function of the rudimentary shoulder and abnormal upper limb is often surprisingly good, despite the inherent instability. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.