Bilateral Asymmetrical Fracture Dislocation of Shoulder with Rare Combination of Injuries after Epileptic Seizure: A Case Report

Bilateral locked posterior shoulder dislocation overlooked for 15 months treated with the modified McLaughlin procedure: A case report

Neglected bilateral posterior shoulder dislocation is a rare injury caused primarily by an epileptic seizure. The injury is usually associated with a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion in the anteromedial aspect of the humeral head. The modified McLaughlin technique may avoid instability and osteoarthritis when 20 to 40% of the articular surface is affected by reverse Hill-Sachs. In this article, we present the clinical results of a case overlooked in the literature for the longest time, i.e., for 15 months. A 46-year-old male patient was receiving treatment for epilepsy for five years. There was no fall or trauma in the four seizures he had during this time. The last seizure was 15 months ago. When the patient presented to our clinic, both shoulders were symmetrically deformed, the anterior shoulder contour disappeared (empty socket sign), and there was a loss of upper contour. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a posteriorly locked dislocation with a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion in 32% of the left shoulder and 36% of the right shoulder. We applied the modified McLaughlin procedure to the dominant right shoulder and, two months later, we used it to the left shoulder (with a graft taken from the anterior superior iliac spine). At one-year of follow-up, both shoulders were moderately functional: forward elevation left 70° and right 50°, abduction left 40° and right 60°, and internal rotation: the back of the hand could touch the fifth lumbar vertebra. Meanwhile, the patient did not suffer from recurrent dislocation. The pre- and postoperative Constant-Murley Scores for the right and left shoulder were 30/52 and 11/48, respectively. Although the operational outcomes using the modified McLaughlin technique were not ideal, with no recurrence, the patient seemed to be satisfied with this outcome. In conclusion, in neglected locked shoulder fracture-dislocations, the modified McLaughlin technique is a method that can respond to the pathophysiology by eliminating reverse Hill-Sachs lesion.

Bilateral fracture-dislocation of the shoulder following a seizure- A case report & review of literature

Introduction

and Importance: Bilateral shoulder dislocations are uncommon and those are usually posterior dislocations. Bilateral anterior fracture-dislocations are rarest of their kind following seizure episodes.

Case presentation

We present a case of bilateral fracture-dislocations of the shoulder following a seizure episode. Bilateral dislocations were relocated to the emergency unit and managed conservatively as he refused to undergo surgery. The patient was followed up at the Orthopaedic clinic and achieved a full range of movements of the bilateral shoulder the one-year post-intervention.

Clinical discussion

A closed reduction is also an option on occasion like this patient.

Conclusion

Careful radiological assessment and follow-up with physiotherapy will help to achieve a good outcome.

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Bilateral anterior fracture-dislocations of the shoulder are rare following seizure due to contraction of stronger trapezius.

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The “triple E syndrome” (Epilepsy, Electroconvulsive therapy & Electrocution) is the frequent causes.

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Radiographs followed by computed tomography will help to identify and plan the management.

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A successful closed reduction and post-post procedure radiograph will help to decide on further management options.

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Failed closed reduction should be treated with open reduction & surgical fixation using plates, screws and wires.

What are the patient-reported outcomes, functional limitations, and complications after lesser tuberosity fractures? a systematic review of 172 patients

BACKGROUND

Lesser tuberosity fractures are relatively rare, with an incidence of 0.46 per 100,000 persons per year. This systematic review was performed to address patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), shoulder function, and complications after lesser tuberosity fractures in pediatric and adult patients, as well as patients with an associated posterior shoulder dislocation. Within these groups, identical outcomes were evaluated for nonoperative, surgical, acute and delayed treatment.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was carried out in multiple databases. Articles were included if patients sustained a lesser tuberosity fracture without a concomitant proximal humerus fracture. There were no restrictions on age, type of treatment, fragment displacement, time to presentation, or associated injuries.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred forty-four records were screened for eligibility of which 71 studies were included (n = 172). Surgical treatment was provided to 50 of 62 (81%) pediatric patients, 49 of 66 (74%) adults, and 34 of 44 (77%) patients with an associated posterior shoulder dislocation. In the pediatric group, the mean of PROMs was 94 (range 70-100) and among adults 89 (range 85-100). In the posterior shoulder dislocation group, 89% did not regain full range of motion and the complication rate was 17%. In pediatric patients, surgery was associated with fewer complications (P = .021) compared to nonoperative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients have excellent outcomes after lesser tuberosity fractures and respond well to surgical treatment. Adults have acceptable outcomes but patients with an associated posterior shoulder dislocation have impaired range of shoulder movement and are more likely to develop complications.

Divergent Fracture-dislocation of Shoulders - A Therapeutic Challenge

Introduction

Bilateral shoulder dislocations are rare and can result from sports injuries, epileptic seizures, electric shock, or electroconvulsive therapy. Divergent shoulder dislocations are even more rare and difficult to treat. We report a case of bilateral divergent shoulder dislocations with bilateral greater tuberosity fractures. We have reviewed the existing literature and have summarized the mechanisms and outcomes of such injuries.

Case Report

A 35-year-old, right-hand dominant male, a known epileptic presented with pain and deformity in both shoulders after an episode of generalized seizures. Radiographs revealed anterior dislocation on the right and posterior dislocation on the left shoulders along with bilateral displaced fractures of the greater tuberosities. The patient was treated with closed reduction of bilateral shoulder dislocations using gentle traction followed by open suture fixation of the greater tuberosity fractures. The greater tuberosity on the posterior dislocation side needed redo fixation with compression screws and sutures for failed fixation. The patient went on to heal well and achieve full function. The case is one of a very rare group of injuries.

Conclusions

Divergent shoulder injuries with greater tuberosity fractures are very rare. They can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A higher degree of suspicion to diagnose and patient-based approach with strong fixation techniques can lead to good clinical outcomes.

Bilateral spontaneous anterior shoulder dislocation: A missed orthopedic injury mistaken as proximal neuropathy

A number of orthopedic injuries can occur during epileptic seizures. Anterior shoulder dislocation is one such orthopedic injury that is quite rare. The shoulder dislocation may injure the brachial plexus. Besides seizures, the nerves can also be damaged by anticonvulsive therapy. Muscle wasting following a seizure can misguide a clinician to investigate only neural or muscular pathologies. We report here an individual with epilepsy who was referred to us for electrodiagnostic evaluation of proximal muscle wasting related to a suspected proximal neuropathy. He was found to have a normal electrodiagnostic evaluation and later on discovered to have had bilateral shoulder dislocation on X-rays. This report advocates a thorough clinical appraisal, radiographs, and electrodiagnostic evaluation in a case with muscle wasting following a seizure.