[The first dislocation of the shoulder].

The classical anterior-inferior dislocation of the shoulder is diagnosed easily by clinical examination and x-ray. The additional lesions like impression fracture at the humerus, avulsion of the anterior rim of the glenoid, lesions of the rotator cuff or neurologic deficits are more difficult to realise. In young patients the redislocation rate is rather high. Indication for surgery is still on debate. Modern diagnostic tools will help to determine additional lesions. More problems are incountered in presence of a posterior dislocation. Those are often overlooked.