What Are The 3 Types Of Shoulder Dislocation?

A common question people have about shoulders is, what are the three most common types of shoulder dislocation?

The most common type, by far, is an anterior dislocation, typically from a fall with your arms outstretched upwards. Because of this abduction external rotation, something drives it forward and comes out the front. That means at least 90% of shoulder dislocations are anterior.

There are also posterior dislocations, which are posterior forces. These can also occur with seizures. There’s an interesting one called a luxatio erecta, where the shoulder goes down—these are incredibly rare. I’ve seen just a handful in my career.

And actually, someone comes in with their arm raised over their head because it’s locked.

So those are the three most common types, but by far, the most common one is an anterior dislocation. If your shoulder is dislocated and you go to the ER, you get put back in.

It’s a good idea to follow up with a shoulder specialist to assess the damage and discuss how it should be managed.