The shoulder complex is one of the most elaborated joints of our body, as it is formed by several bones (clavicle, scapula, humerus and sternum) that constitute different joints (sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, glenohumeral, scapulothoracic). The shoulder is the most mobile joint of our body, and its stability is maintained by passive (e.g.: capsule, ligaments, labrum, etc.) and active (muscles) stabilisers. Due to its great degrees of freedom, the shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in both the athletic and general population. Depending on the degree of bone separation, dislocation (full separation of joint with the bones out of place) or subluxation (partial separation of the joint with the bones still in contact) are possible. The shoulder can dislocate in four main directions, superior, inferior, posterior and anterior, with the latest being the most commonly injured direction (above 90-95% of all dislocations). The direction of the dislocation and the consequent symptoms are typically dictated by the injury mechanism, which can involve rotations, falls, high-force contact in sports, or vehicle accidents to name some. Patients affected by this injury typically present pain localised around the shoulder that can radiate to other structures, swelling, bruises, potentially shoulder deformity, and severely impacted shoulder-arm functioning. Aside from collecting data from the injury mechanisms and performing a physical assessment of the patient, an imaging examination (e.g.: x-ray, computed tomography, MRI) is typically performed to optimally visualise the specifics of the injury.
