Disorders of the Shoulder: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Disorders of the shoulder: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 25-year-old male with a history of cerebral palsy and epilepsy presents to the ER via EMS due to a tonic-clonic seizure and severe right shoulder pain. Which radiographic sign is most suggestive of a posterior shoulder dislocation?

A. Subcutaneous emphysema
B. Acromioclavicular joint widened
C. Bankart lesions
D. Hill-Sachs lesion
E. Lightbulb sign

Answer and topic summary

The answer is E. Lightbulb sign

Shoulder dislocation is the most common type of joint dislocation; it can happen posteriorly, inferiorly, and anteriorly (MC). Posterior dislocations typically occur during seizures or electrical shocks. Clinical features include pain, palpable dent, and limited ROM. X-ray is the best initial diagnostic test. An interesting clue is that a circular appearance of the humeral head (aka “light bulb sign”) is a sign of a posterior dislocation. Management of an uncomplicated dislocation is closed reduction – and then immobilization with prn pain medications. Surgery is indicated in specific cases.

View blueprint lesson

Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Musculoskeletal ⇒ Upper extremity disordersDisorders of the shoulder

Also covered as part of the Emergency Medicine EOR topic lists

Sign up for the ENTIRE Blueprint Daily Email Series (1000 daily questions. . . and counting! 😀)

X

Have you tried the NEW Smarty PANCE QBANK? It's FREE with EVERY membership purchase 😀!

X