In which type of shoulder dislocation is the arm typically adducted and internally rotated?

Prepare for the PAEA Emergency Medicine End-of-Rotation Test. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The type of shoulder dislocation where the arm is typically adducted and internally rotated is a posterior dislocation. In this situation, the humeral head moves backward in relation to the glenoid cavity, resulting in the arm being positioned close to the body with the elbow pointing down and the forearm turned toward the torso.

Posterior dislocations are less common than anterior dislocations, often resulting from seizures or electric shock. Clinical presentation can include limited external rotation and difficulty abducting the arm. Often, there may be visible deformity, although it can be subtle compared to an anterior dislocation.

In contrast, anterior dislocations typically present with the arm abducted and externally rotated. In inferior dislocations, the arm may be held in a dependent position, unlike the adducted and internally rotated stance of a posterior dislocation. Medial dislocations are not a recognized term in this context and do not correspond to a typical clinical scenario.

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