Radiologic Study Important In The Diagnosis Of Posterior Shoulder Dislocations?

A 20-year-old man with a history of epileptic seizure presents to the emergency room complaining of left shoulder pain following a grand mal seizure. He presents holding his left arm adducted and rotated inward. Which radiologic study is the most important for this patient's diagnosis?

A. True AP view
B. Transcapular lateral view
C. Axillary lateral view
D. Scapular Y view
E. Serendipity view

Answer : C. Axillary lateral view

Discussion: The patient probably has a posterior shoulder dislocation based on the seizure history and his presentation of shoulder pain with an adducted and internally rotated arm. The first three views listed in the question (true AP, transcapular, and axillary lateral) should all be obtained for shoulder traumas. The axillary lateral view, however, is important to confirm the diagnosis of glenohumeral dislocation, especially posterior type.