[Shoulder luxation. A late clinico-radiologic study].

There are various opinions regarding the aetiology and pathogenesis of dislocation of the shoulder. Various aspects of these theories and their clinical significance have been examined in the course of a clinical and radiological follow-up. Crucial to the development of subluxation is the occurrence of trauma. The age of the patient is important in the prognosis: more than 60% of patients under the age of 30 develop recurrent or persistent dislocation. Apart from a congenital disposition and inadequate treatment, accompanying injuries are primarily responsible for the development of persistent dislocation. Late follow-up has shown that radiologically recognisable post-traumatic changes are apparent in at least one-third of the patients. Persistent symptoms are much more common and consist of pain, limitation of movement, weakness and paraesthesia. In evaluating the late results, one should distinguish between objective functional limitation of movement and subjectively felt reduction in function.