UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Visual Diagnosis

Title: What's the diagnosis?

Posted: 3/27/2011 by Haney Mallemat, MD (Emailed: 3/28/2011) (Updated: 3/28/2011)
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Question

25 year old male presents after falling from 10 feet and landing on right shoulder. Diagnosis?

Answer

Yes...the shoulder is dislocated, but did you notice anything else? (see figure 1)

 

Glenoid Fossa Fracture: (Image submitted by Dr. George Kochman)

 

Fractures of the glenoid fossa occur when the head of the humerus collides with the glenoid margin; classically, by a laterally directed force. Although less than 10% of glenoid fossa fractures result in significant displacement, surgical repair is indicated if: 

  • Fracture displacement >10mm
  • >33% involvement of posterior glenoid fossa
  • >25% involvement of anterior glenoid fossa
  • Persistent humeral head subluxation

References

Schmidt, J. Scapular Fracture. eMedicine. January 12, 2011.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/826084-overview