Published online Sep 18, 2023. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i9.690
Peer-review started: May 19, 2023
First decision: June 21, 2023
Revised: July 5, 2023
Accepted: August 15, 2023
Article in press: August 15, 2023
Published online: September 18, 2023
Processing time: 117 Days and 12.6 Hours
Glenohumeral dislocation is a common injury that may predispose patients to chronic pain and instability. However, there is a paucity of current data available regarding the epidemiological trends of this injury.
To provide an updated, comparative assessment of the epidemiology of shoulder dislocations presenting to emergency departments in the United States. We also sought to analyze patient demographic risk factors and consumer products associated with dislocation events.
Data were obtained from the national electronic injury surveillance system data
In total, an estimated 773039 shoulder dislocations (CI: 640598-905481) presented to emergency rooms across the United States during the study period. The annual incidence rate was 23.96 per 100000 persons and the average patient age at the time of injury was 37.1 years. Significantly more male patients sustained dislocations than female patients (537189, 69.5%, vs 235834, 30.5%, P < 0.001). With regard to associated consumer products, sports and recreation equipment were involved in the highest proportion of incidents (44.31%), followed by home structures and construction materials (21.22%), and home furnishings, fixtures, and accessories (21.21%). Regarding product sub-groups, stairs, ramps, landings, floors was cited in the greatest number of cases (131745).
The national annual incidence rate of glenohumeral dislocations throughout the study period was approximately 23.92 per 100000 persons. Male adolescents sustained the highest proportion of dislocations, with a peak incidence in age group 15-20 years, predominantly secondary to participation in sporting and recreational activities. Conversely, women experienced a relatively consistent incidence of dislocation throughout their lifespan. After age 63, the incidence rate of dislocations in females was found to surpass that observed in males.
Core Tip: Shoulder dislocations occur in a bimodal distribution and are commonly seen in young men and older women. The national incidence of shoulder dislocations presenting to United States emergency departments has remained relatively stable compared to previous epidemiologic studies. Among young patients sustaining shoulder dislocations, sporting and recreational activities are the most involved activities.