What associated injuries (not present in this case) are frequently encountered?
Reverse Hill-Sachs lesion; reverse Bankart lesion; fracture of the lesser tuberosity.
How are posterior shoulder dislocations managed? What features are important in dictating whether or not closed reduction can be attempted?
Unlike anterior shoulder dislocations which are relatively easily reduced, posterior dislocations are more problematic and attempts at closed reduction should only be performed in consultation with a treating orthopaedic surgeon. If the shoulder has been dislocated for 3 or more weeks (particularly common in elderly debilitated patients) or if the anterior humeral articular injury (reverse Hill-Sachs lesion) involves more than 20% of the articular surface, then closed reduction is contraindicated.
On both views the acromion (A), clavicle (Cl), coracoid process (Co) and glenoid (G) are identifiable, and the humeral head can be seen lying posterior.