A young swimmer comes to the sports clinic complaining of a very sore shoulder. He was running at the pool, slipped on some wet concrete, and tried to catch himself with his outstretched hand. He landed on his outstretched hand and has not been able to move his shoulder since. What does the nurse suspect?

A) Joint effusion
B) Tear of rotator cuff
C) Adhesive capsulitis
D) Dislocated shoulder

A dislocated shoulder occurs with trauma involving abduction, extension, and external rotation (e.g., falling on an outstretched arm or diving into a pool). Joint effusion is swelling from excess fluid in the joint capsule. Tear of rotator cuff typically presents in a "hunched" position and limited abduction of arm. Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) presents with stiffness; progressive limitation of motion in abduction and external rotation, and unable to reach overhead; and pain caused by the formation of fibrous tissues in the joint capsule. Joint effusion is swelling from excess fluid in the joint capsule. Tear of rotator cuff typically presents in a "hunched" position and limited abduction of arm. Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) presents with stiffness; progressive limitation of motion in abduction and external rotation, and unable to reach overhead; and pain caused by the formation of fibrous tissues in the joint capsule. This patient appears to have a dislocated shoulder.