An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Bruising around the Shoulder

Abstract

This case report describes a 29-year-old man who presented with episodes of severe shoulder pain and subsequent massive bruising without trauma several years after cannulated screw fixation of a greater tuberosity fracture. An magnetic resonance arthrogram showed dye travelling up the central hole in the screw. Arthroscopy showed the tip of one of the screws penetrating the capsule and synovial lining in the inferior recess. Removal of the screw resolved the problem. Care needs to be taken with the length of screws in the axilla, especially if the patient has a capacious capsule. Bizarre symptoms, if considered seriously, may uncover a treatable if rare cause.