Dislocations: luxatio erecta: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Dislocations: luxatio erecta

Sample item

After a hyperabduction injury a patient holds the arm fully abducted above the head and cannot lower it. Which dislocation is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Inferior glenohumeral dislocation (luxatio erecta)

In luxatio erecta the humeral head lies inferior to the glenoid and the arm is locked in abduction with the hand above or beside the head. It is associated with rotator cuff tears and neurovascular injury.

Option by option

  • A. Posterior dislocation

    Posterior dislocation locks the arm in internal rotation.

  • B. Anterior subcoracoid dislocation

    Anterior dislocation keeps the arm abducted slightly, not overhead.

  • C. Acromioclavicular dislocation

    ACJ dislocation gives a prominent lateral clavicle, not a locked overhead arm.

  • D. Inferior glenohumeral dislocation (luxatio erecta) (correct)

    Correct. A locked abducted arm overhead is typical of inferior dislocation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Inferior glenohumeral dislocation (luxatio erecta). In luxatio erecta the humeral head lies inferior to the glenoid and the arm is locked in abduction with the hand above or beside the head.

Why is "Posterior dislocation" not the answer?

Posterior dislocation locks the arm in internal rotation.

Why is "Anterior subcoracoid dislocation" not the answer?

Anterior dislocation keeps the arm abducted slightly, not overhead.

Why is "Acromioclavicular dislocation" not the answer?

ACJ dislocation gives a prominent lateral clavicle, not a locked overhead arm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dislocations: luxatio erecta in Orthopaedics. It is associated with rotator cuff tears and neurovascular injury.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dislocations: luxatio erecta?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.