Shoulder dislocations in patients older than 40 years of age.

Shoulder dislocations in patients over 40 years of age are common and are frequently associated with serious injuries to adjacent structures. Associated injuries such as brachial plexus injury, rotator cuff tear, axillary artery injury, fractures about the shoulder, and recurrent dislocation can make shoulder dislocations challenging problems for the clinician. Early diagnosis and treatment of associated injuries and treatment complications are the mainstays in prevention of morbidity and, even, mortality.