Most shoulder dislocations occur in which direction?

Most shoulder dislocations occur in the anteroinferior direction due to the unique structure and mechanics of the shoulder joint, which is highly mobile. The shoulder joint, or glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of motion. However, this increased mobility comes at the cost of stability, particularly because the joint relies on soft tissue structures, such as ligaments and the rotator cuff, for stability.

During an injury or when a person falls or experiences trauma, the force can push the head of the humerus forward and downward away from the glenoid cavity of the scapula. Because the anterior glenohumeral ligaments and the capsule are often less robust compared to the direction of posterior stability, the humeral head tends to dislocate in the anteroinferior direction.

Understanding this mechanical vulnerability is crucial for both prevention and treatment of shoulder dislocations. Knowledge of the typical direction helps clinicians anticipate potential complications and plan for effective rehabilitation strategies following an injury.