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Volume 42 Number 4, July/August 2005
Pages 557 — 568

Abstract - Glenohumeral subluxation in hemiplegia: An overview

Matteo Paci, PT, MSc;1* Luca Nannetti, MD;1 Lucio A. Rinaldi, PT2

1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Prato Hospital, Prato, Italy; 2Motion Analysis and Motor Rehabilitation Laboratory, Unit of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
Abstract — This review summarizes the recent advances in glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) in hemiplegic patients and analyzes the reliability and validity of clinical evaluation and the effectiveness of different treatment approaches. GHS, a common complication of stroke, can be considered an important risk factor for shoulder pain and other problems. GHS is a complex phenomenon, and its pathomechanics are not yet fully understood. Radiographic measurements are considered the best method of quantifying GHS. Clinical evaluation can be useful as screening assessment. Functional electrical stimulation and strapping are effective in an acute stage of hemiplegia; some types of slings have been shown to be effective and may be used together with other strategies.
Key words: assessment, hemiplegia, pathomechanics, physical therapy, rehabilitation, review, shoulder, slings, stroke, subluxation.
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