Which direction is the most common shoulder dislocation?

The most common direction for shoulder dislocation is anterior dislocation. This occurs when the humeral head is displaced forward, usually as a result of an external force or trauma, such as falling onto an outstretched arm or an awkward tackle in sports.

The shoulder joint is inherently unstable due to its structure, offering a wide range of motion, which also makes it susceptible to dislocations. The ligaments and muscles surrounding the shoulder are more commonly stressed with movements that push the arm into positions that can prime it for dislocation, specifically when the arm is in an abducted and externally rotated position.

In contrast, posterior dislocations, while they can occur, are much less frequent than anterior ones, primarily because the shoulder's anatomy provides more stability in a forward position compared to backward. Inferior dislocations are rare occurrences, as the glenohumeral joint is more constrained in that direction by the bony structures and ligaments. Lateral dislocation is not a recognized term for shoulder dislocations; dislocations are categorized by the direction in which the humerus moves relative to the glenoid cavity, making anterior the clear choice for the most common type.