Posterior dislocation fractures of the shoulder in seizure disorders--two case reports and a review of literature

Abstract

We present two patients with complaints of shoulder pain after an epileptic seizure. Both patients had a posterior dislocation fracture of the shoulder. After reviewing the literature the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) A posterior shoulder dislocation fracture is rare. (2) One should not underestimate the muscular forces in seizure disorders and be alert for dislocation fractures of the shoulder and/or other joints. (3) The diagnosis is frequently missed, but an axillary radiograph or a CT scan always reveals the fracture.