Open anterior glenohumeral dislocation with associated supraspinatus avulsion: A case report

BACKGROUND: Open dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is a very rare complication with only six cases described in the literature. Most cases resulted in severe complications like avascular necrosis of the humeral head or septic arthritis with poor functional results. The “mandatory” treatment of choice is surgery, with accurate debridement and reconstruction of the damaged soft tissues. However, the results in these cases do not approach those seen in classical dislocations. CASE SUMMARY: This case report is the first description of an anterior open glenohumeral dislocation without associated fractures, but with complete avulsion of the soft tissue envelope of the proximal humerus. Surgical treatment consisted of copious lavage with saline solution, meticulous debridement of the nonviable soft tissues, reduction of the dislocated humeral head and reconstruction of the soft tissue envelope of the humeral head. The selected surgical approach was an inferior extension of the wound at the level of the delto-pectoral groove, as the best choice to be able to perform an adequate debridement and capsulo-tendinous reinsertion. At 6 mo there were no clinical signs of instability of the glenohumeral joint, the functionality of the joint was restricted to 90º of anterior elevation, internal rotation to L2, with severe limitation of abduction (60º) and external rotation (0º) but without residual pain, with an Oxford shoulder Score of 28. CONCLUSION: Thorough reconstruction of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint and an early rehabilitation program are key points to a good functional result.