True congenital dislocation of the shoulder

Abstract

Dislocation of the shoulder in infancy is an uncommon entity. Unlike the majority of reported cases, true congenital dislocation is present at birth and has no associated anomalies or injury. It appears to be related to in utero positioning. With appropriate immobilization in reduction, stability can be achieved, although development of the ossific nucleus of the proximal humerus is delayed as in congenital hip dislocation.