College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Dr. Glen Humoral is most likely to encounter which type of shoulder dislocation frequently in his practice?

1. Anterior GH Dislocation

2. Posterior GH Dislocation

3. Inferior GH Dislocation

4. Rotator Cuff Tear

The correct answer is: Anterior GH Dislocation

The most frequent type of shoulder dislocation encountered in clinical practice is the anterior glenohumeral (GH) dislocation. This type occurs when the humeral head is displaced anteriorly from the glenoid cavity, often due to trauma or excessive movement. The mechanism often involves an injury resulting from falls, sports activities, or accidents, where the arm is in an abducted and externally rotated position at the time of impact. Anterior dislocations account for roughly 90% of all shoulder dislocations, making them significantly more common than other types. The high incidence can be attributed to the anatomical features of the shoulder joint, which, while allowing for a great range of motion, also makes it more susceptible to dislocation. In contrast, posterior and inferior dislocations are much less common due to the stability provided by the surrounding muscles and ligaments in those positions. A rotator cuff tear, while it can occur in conjunction with dislocations, is a different condition that does not fall under the category of dislocation itself. Overall, being proficient in the recognition and management of anterior glenohumeral dislocations is crucial for healthcare providers like Dr. Glen Humoral, given their prevalence in the population.