López P¹*, Schadenberg A¹, Vizcaya J¹, Prada G², Castellaro J¹, Diaz G¹ and Larrondo W¹

¹Orthopaedics Department Clínica Dávila, Universidad de Los Andes, Chile
²Orthopaedics Department Clínica Dávila, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile

*Corresponding Author: López P, Orthopaedics Department Clínica Dávila, Univer- sidad de Los Andes, Chile.

Received: March 30, 2026; Published: June 12, 2026

Abstract

Bilateral luxatio erecta (inferior shoulder dislocation) is an exceptionally rare orthopedic emergency. While individual cases exist, bilateral presentations with associated glenoid fractures present unique management challenges. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 69-year-old female who sustained bilateral inferior shoulder dislocations following a fall from height. Imaging revealed bilateral dislocations and a right glenoid rim fracture. Closed reduction was successfully performed under general anesthesia. Follow-up MRI revealed bilateral rotator cuff tears. Conservative management with physical therapy yielded functional recovery. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of recognizing associated neurovascular and bony injuries in luxatio erecta. Despite bilateral rotator cuff pathology and a glenoid fracture, non-operative management resulted in satisfactory outcomes. Conclusion: Prompt reduction and careful screening for associated injuries are paramount in managing this rare condition.

Keywords: Luxatio Erecta; Bilateral Shoulder Dislocation; Inferior Dislocation; Glenoid Fracture; Rotator Cuff Tear

References

1. Ntourantonis D., et al. “The 'Holy Grail' of shoulder dislocations: a systematic review on traumatic bilateral luxatio erecta; is it in reality a once-in-a-lifetime experience for an orthopaedic surgeon?” Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery1 (2024): 205-217.
2. Yanturali S., et al. “Luxatio erecta: Clinical presentation and management in the Emergency Department”. The Journal of Emergency Medicine 1 (2005): 85-89.
3. Wolf O and Ekholm C. “Luxatio erecta of the humerus: the spectrum of injury of inferior shoulder dislocation and analysis of injury mechanisms”. JSES Reviews Reports and Techniques4 (2022): 497-504.
4. Quesado M., et al. “Bilateral Luxatio Erecta: An Atypical Presentation at the Emergency Department”. Case Reports in Orthopedic Research1 (2021): 1-5.
5. Camarda L., et al. “A case of bilateral luxatio erecta”. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology2 (2009): 97-99.
6. Kumar KS., et al. “Hands up: a case of bilateral inferior shoulder dislocation”. Emergency Medicine Journal5 (2001): 404-405.
7. Kavaja L., et al. “Treatment after traumatic shoulder dislocation: a systematic review with a network meta-analysis”. British Journal of Sports Medicine23 (2018): 1498-1506.
8. Abrams R and Akbarnia H. “Shoulder Dislocations Overview”. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing (2019).
9. Krug DK., et al. “MRI findings associated with luxatio erecta humeri”. Skeletal Radiology1 (2009): 27-33.
10. Hassanzadeh E., et al. “CT and MRI manifestations of luxatio erecta humeri and a review of the literature”. Clinical Imaging5 (2015): 876-879.
11. Nambiar M., et al. “Traumatic inferior shoulder dislocation: a review of management and outcome”. European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 1 (2017): 45-51.
12. Garrigues GE., et al. “Open luxatio erecta: a case report and literature review”. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 4 (2011): e34-37.
13. Nho SJ., et al. “The Two-Step Maneuver for Closed Reduction of Inferior Glenohumeral Dislocation (Luxatio Erecta to Anterior Dislocation to Reduction)”. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma5 (2006): 354-357.
14. Tsuchida T., et al. “Luxatio erecta of bilateral shoulders”. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery6 (2001): 595-597.
15. Vidal Panduro DA., et al. “Luxatio Erecta: A Case Report and Literature Review”. Cureus 12 (2022): e32976.

Citation

Citation: López P., et al. “Bilateral Glenohumeral Luxatio Erecta: Case Report". Acta Scientific Orthopaedics 9.3 (2026): 41-45.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 López P., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.