Dimple on the shoulder after a ski injury

Emerg Med J. 2017 Nov;34(11):740. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2016-206560.

Abstract

Clinical introduction: A 74-year-old woman was brought to the ski clinic shortly after a fall on her left shoulder while skiing. She did not remember the exact fall mechanism. She felt a popping sensation in her left shoulder and was unable to move her left arm due to severe pain. Her medical and social histories were unremarkable. On physical examination, she had a deformity in her left shoulder (figure 1). Her neurovascular examination was intact.emermed;34/11/740/F1F1F1Figure 1Photograph of the left shoulder on arrival showing an anterior 'dimple'.

Question: What is the most likely diagnosis of the injury? An acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) sprain (shoulder separation)A proximal humerus fractureA distal clavicle fractureA posterior glenohumeral dislocation.

Keywords: accidental falls; fractures and dislocations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Deformities, Acquired / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Deformities, Acquired / therapy
  • Radiography / methods
  • Shoulder / anatomy & histology
  • Shoulder Dislocation / diagnosis*
  • Shoulder Dislocation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Shoulder Dislocation / pathology
  • Skiing / injuries