Neglected Bilateral Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Following Epileptic Seizure: A Case Report and Literature Review

Kurume Med J. 2020 Jul 1;66(1):65-70. doi: 10.2739/kurumemedj.MS661008. Epub 2020 Apr 24.

Abstract

Anterior shoulder dislocations following an epileptic event are considered rare. An extremely rare case of a 41 year old female suffering from bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation with concomitant greater tuberosities fractures after an epileptic seizure is presented. The patient presented to the out-patient orthopaedic clinic due to persistent pain and restriction of shoulders movement, 4 weeks after an epileptic seizure. Clinical examination and radiological evaluation established the diagnosis of bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation with concomitant greater tuberosities fractures. Closed reduction was performed under general anesthesia. There are 12 such cases in the literature, including the present one. Thirty percent of these cases had a delayed diagnosis. It is of paramount importance to have a high clinical suspicion for myoskeletal injuries and especially for shoulder dislocations following an epileptic episode, even in the absence of a traumatic event.

Keywords: anterior shoulder dislocation; bilateral shoulder dislocation; epilepsy, seizure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Seizures* / complications
  • Shoulder Dislocation* / complications
  • Shoulder Fractures* / complications