eLearning Practice Module for Medical Education students

1. Symptoms

• Sudden shoulder pain and swelling.

• Inability to move or lift the arm.

• Ecchymosis around the shoulder and chest wall.

2. Signs

• Inspection: Swelling, bruising, possible deformity.

• Palpation: Tenderness over the proximal humerus; crepitus on gentle motion.

• Movement: Painful restriction of motion; pseudoparalysis may be noted.

• Neurovascular Assessment:

  • Check axillary nerve (sensation over deltoid patch, abduction weakness).

  • Palpate radial pulse to rule out vascular compromise.