Light bulb sign (posterior shoulder dislocation)
Last revised by Daniel J Bell ◉ on 15 May 2021
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Dixon A, Bell D, Shah V, et al. Light bulb sign (posterior shoulder dislocation). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 26 Sep 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-18811
Permalink:
rID:
18811
Article created:
22 Jul 2012, Andrew Dixon ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Andrew Dixon had no recorded disclosures.
View Andrew Dixon's current disclosuresLast revised:
15 May 2021, Daniel J Bell ◉
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures.
View Daniel J Bell's current disclosuresRevisions:
17 times, by 11 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures
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Synonyms:
- Light-bulb sign - humerus
- The lightbulb sign - shoulder
- Lightbulb sign - shoulder
The light bulb sign refers to the abnormal AP radiograph appearance of the humeral head in posterior shoulder dislocation.
When the humerus dislocates it also internally rotates such that the head contour projects like a light bulb when viewed from the front 1.
See also
Quiz questions
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References
- 1. Wright B, Booth J. The 'light bulb' sign. J Accid Emerg Med. 1995;11 (3): 210. Free text at pubmed - Pubmed citation
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