Brachial plexus injury after anterior shoulder dislocation: a case report

Abstract

Brachial plexus injury is a rare complication of anterior dislocation of the shoulder: nine cases have been reported in the literature. We report a unique case of anterior dislocation of the shoulder with associated brachial plexus palsy involving the posterior and medial cords. This is the first reported case of such an injury. Previous case reports of brachial plexus palsy in association with anterior shoulder dislocation are reviewed. Conservative management affords good recovery from these injuries over a period of up to 18 months.