National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A patient unable to elevate their scapula post-accident likely has which type of dislocation?

1. Anterior dislocation of shoulder joint

2. Inferior dislocation of SC joint

3. Superior dislocation of SC joint

4. Posterior dislocation of shoulder joint

The correct answer is: Superior dislocation of SC joint

The inability of a patient to elevate their scapula after an accident suggests a specific type of joint dislocation. A superior dislocation of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint impacts the mechanics of shoulder girdle movement, particularly the ability to elevate the scapula. In a superior dislocation of the SC joint, the clavicle moves upward relative to the sternum, which can lead to impaired function of muscles that elevate the scapula, such as the trapezius and levator scapulae. The altered positioning at the SC joint can create restrictions and prevent normal scapular motion. This inhibition of scapular elevation is not typically associated with other forms of dislocation, such as anterior or posterior dislocations of the shoulder joint, which primarily involve the glenohumeral joint and would affect arm movement more than scapular elevation. Additionally, an inferior dislocation of the SC joint would generally not present with an inability to elevate the scapula but rather with a more complex pattern of dysfunction. Thus, when considering the functional implications on scapular movement, a superior dislocation of the SC joint is the most aligned with the described inability to elevate the scapula.