Terrible triad of the shoulder

The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome of the terrible triad of the shoulder, a rare combination of anterior shoulder dislocation, massive rotator cuff tear, and neurologic injury. Six patients with this condition have been treated at our institution since 1990. The mean age was 57 years. All patients underwent rotator cuff repair (RCR). The mean time from injury to surgery was 5 months. Follow-up averaged 5.6 years. Functional outcome was recorded by use of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Preoperative mean active forward elevation was 24°, as compared with 98° postoperatively. Strength improved from 3 lb to a mean of 12 lb in forward elevation and from 2 lb to 16 lb in external rotation. Clinically, 5 of 6 patients achieved recovery of their nerve injury. Total Shoulder Pain and Disability Index postoperative scores revealed good or excellent results in 4 of 6 patients. For this injury pattern, performing an RCR offers the patient the best chance for a favorable outcome. Waiting for neurologic recovery before performing RCR is not recommended.