Posterior shoulder dislocation in a 10-year-old child: Case report

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder dislocation is the most common type of all joints dislocations. It occurs when there is separation in the glenohumeral joint. Posterior dislocation accounts for less than 4% of all shoulder dislocations. In fact, it is misdiagnosed in 60–79% of the patients in the initial presentation. In children a posterior shoulder dislocation is usually caused by a congenital anomaly or in those who have ligamentous laxity. Traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation without fracture of the proximal humeral epiphysis in children is very rare, and only few cases have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents a rare case of a 10-year-old child with a traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation without fracture. DISCUSSION: this patient present with a rare posterior dislocation, which is direct and without fracture. It does not present with a marked deformity and it is hard to detect without a complete physical examination and radiographic series. CONCLUSION: Posterior shoulder dislocations are rare, and even more rare in children without fractures. It is easily missed and needs careful history taking, physical exam and correct x-ray view to reach the diagnosis.