A patient with anterior dislocation of shoulder will most likely give a history of
**Core Concept**
The anterior dislocation of the shoulder is a common injury that occurs when the head of the humerus is displaced anteriorly out of the glenoid cavity. This type of dislocation often results from a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow to the posterior aspect of the shoulder.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient with an anterior dislocation of the shoulder will most likely give a history of a fall onto an outstretched hand, which is a common mechanism of injury. This type of fall can cause the humerus to be displaced anteriorly out of the glenoid cavity due to the force of the fall. The patient may also report a sensation of the shoulder feeling "loose" or "displaced" after the fall.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** A fall onto a flexed elbow is more likely to result in a posterior dislocation of the shoulder.
**Option B:** A direct blow to the anterior aspect of the shoulder is more likely to result in a fracture of the clavicle or scapula.
**Option C:** A fall onto a straight arm is more likely to result in a radial head fracture.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The "empty can" test is a useful clinical tool for diagnosing anterior dislocation of the shoulder. This test involves holding the patient's arm in 90 degrees of abduction and internal rotation, and then asking the patient to flex the elbow. If the humerus is anteriorly dislocated, the patient's hand will appear "empty" due to the displacement of the humerus.
**Correct Answer: A. A fall onto an outstretched hand.**