DROOPING SHOULDER - AN INDIRECT SIGN OF S EPTIC ARTHRITIS

Drooping shoulder is a roentgenographic abnormality consisting in a di scontinuity in the scapulo-humeral arch due to inferior subdislocation of the humeral head. Drooping shoulder is commonly seen in patients w ith injuries to the shoulder or neurological loss. Two cases of droopi ng shoulder due to staphylococcal arthritis (after local corticosteroi d injections) are reported herein. The mechanism of the downward humer al displacement in septic arthritis is discussed. The other causes of drooping shoulder are reviewed. Precautions needed to avoid increasing the displacement during rehabilitation therapy are outlined.