Luxatio erecta

Luxatio erecta is inferior shoulder dislocation. This dislocation usually occurs when a direct axial force is applied to a fully abducted arm or when a hyperabduction force leads to leverage of the humeral head across the acromion, resulting in inferior dislocation of the humerus.


 * Luxatio erecta is uncommon, accounting for 1 - 2% of shoulder dislocations.
 * In luxatio erecta, the inferior capsule almost always is torn.
 * Associated bony injuries include fractures of the greater tuberosity, acromion, clavicle, coracoid process, and glenoid rim.
 * Brachial plexus and axillary artery injuries are possible serious complications.
 * Long-term complications include adhesive capsulitis and recurrent subluxations or dislocations.

Diagnostic Findings

 * The humeral head is dislocated inferiorly to a subcoracoid position.
 * The superior aspect of the humeral head does not contact the inferior aspect of the glenoid rim, and the arm is held over the patient's head in a fixed abducted position.
 * An associated fracture of the greater tuberosity may be present.