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

The recurrent transient anterior subluxation (the "dead arm" syndrome) is an accepted clinical syndrome seen most commonly in young athletes or individuals whose arms have been forcefully hyperextended in elevation and external rotation. Care must be taken to differentiate other causes of painful shoulder. With an accurate diagnosis, the results of conservative or operative treatment are most favorable. If surgical treatment is carried out, careful layer-by-layer dissection is required to properly identify and correct anatomic abnormalities.