Recurrent anterior transient subluxation of the shoulder. The "dead arm" syndrome.

Attention is directed to a subtle, unresponsive cause of shoulder disability in the young adult who has sustained a forceful overextension of the shoulder. A careful office evaluation will identify this lesion. A number of factors differentiate it from the numerous other causes of shoulder disability. 1. Usually a young athletic adult. 2. A characteristic history of forceful overextension of the shoulder. 3. Poor response to routine types of treatment. 4. Negative radiographic study. 5. Usually a frustrated and discouraged patient because no one has diagnosed or helped his "dead arm." 6. Consistent physical findings of a positive apprehension test.