Case report

Internal dislocation of scapula following thoracotomy for lung transplantation – a case report

V Palissery¹ , T Veenith² , NB Siddaiah³ and L Brennan³

¹  Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Trust, Norwich, UK

²  Papworth Hospitals NHS foundation trust, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK

³  Addenbrookes hospital Cambridge, Hills road, Cambridge, UK

author email corresponding author email

International Archives of Medicine 2009, 2:10doi:10.1186/1755-7682-2-10

Published:	16 April 2009

Abstract

Introduction

The diagnosis of chest pain at times can be challenging and requires a detailed history, thorough physical examination and investigations including imaging in post transplantation patients. This case is an example of a rare cause of pleuritic chest pain, which was initially misdiagnosed as a haemothorax. The correct diagnosis of dislocated scapula was delayed for three days resulting in considerable discomfort for the patient.

Case presentation

We present a case of dislocation of scapula following thoracotomy for single lung transplantation. This complication should be considered in the list of differential diagnosis for the pleuritic chest pain after thoracotomy.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of careful positioning of the patient perioperatively and when they are sedated and ventilated after the surgical procedure.