Biomechanics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Biomechanics, including details on mechanics of living organisms, movement, locomotion, prosthetic limbs.

Bilateral luxatio erecta complicated by venous thrombosis.

Garcia R, Ponsky T, Brody F, Long J

Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Inferior shoulder dislocation or luxatio erecta is an exceedingly rare form of shoulder dislocation and compromises less than 0.5% of all shoulder dislocations. Furthermore, bilateral luxatio erecta is reported only nine times in the English literature. This paper documents the tenth case of bilateral luxatio erecta. This tenth patient suffered an axial load injury to his outstretched arms and displaced both humeral heads inferiorly. After closed reduction, the patient was discharged home on hospital day two. However, he developed an axillary vein thrombosis 3 days later and required anticoagulation therapy. This report reviews the mechanisms of injury associated with inferior shoulder dislocations as well as the presentation and treatment of luxatio erecta. The complication of axillary vein thrombosis and its treatment in this patient are discussed also.

Published 11 May 2006 in J Trauma, 60(5): 1132-4.
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