Dislocation or Subluxation of the Posterior Humerus

Definition:
Displacement of the posterior humerus; specifically disturbance or disarrangement of the normal relation of the bones entering into the formation of a joint.
Symptoms:
  • Significant pain, which can sometimes be felt along the arm past the shoulder
  • Inability to move the arm from its current position, particularly in positions with the arm reaching away from the body and with the top of the arm twisted toward the back
  • Numbness of the arm
  • Visibly displaced shoulder
Causes:
  • Electric shock
  • Seizure
  • Imbalance of the rotator cuff muscles
  • Fall
Treatment:
  • Period of immobilization
  • Progress to ROM and stretching exercises
  • Rotator cuff stabilization exercises
  • Upper extremity strengthening