What is the most common type of shoulder dislocation?

The most common type of shoulder dislocation is anterior dislocation. This occurs when the humeral head dislocates forward out of the glenoid cavity of the scapula. The shoulder joint is highly mobile and, as a result, is susceptible to injuries, particularly during activities that involve overhead motion or significant force. Anterior dislocation is often associated with trauma or falls, making it frequently encountered in both athletic and non-athletic populations.

In contrast, inferior and posterior dislocations are much less common. Inferior dislocations, where the humeral head moves downward, may occur in specific circumstances, such as during seizures or extreme shoulder abduction. Posterior dislocations typically happen due to trauma, such as a direct blow to the shoulder or during certain repetitive activities, but they are significantly rarer than anterior dislocations. Medial is not a recognized classification for shoulder dislocations, adding to the clarity that anterior dislocation is the prevalent type in clinical practice.