Intrathoracic Scapular Dislocation After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Methods: A 75-year-old woman status post total shoulder arthroplasty and posterior rib resection 29 years previously experienced a low-energy intrathoracic scapular dislocation (ISD). Closed reduction under anesthesia was unsuccessful, and she required open surgical repair performed by a novel modification of Kibler's technique for medial scapular muscle repair.

Conclusions: This case is unique because increased range of motion after successful arthroplasty allowed her shoulder to flex forward enough to result in ISD. Successful surgical repair was performed by a technique previously not described.