Chronic anterior shoulder dislocation: aspects of current management and potential complications.

Chronic unreduced anterior dislocations of the shoul der are rare. Arterial and neurological complications in chronic glenohumeral dislocations are even less frequent. We report three cases of old anterior shoul der dislocations. Open reduction is indicated for most chronic shoulder dislocations. Arterial lesions require urgent intervention with reconstruction. Conser va tive treatment is advised for most neurological complications.