Anterior shoulder dislocation. A simple and rapid method for reduction

Am J Sports Med. 1995 May-Jun;23(3):369-71. doi: 10.1177/036354659502300322.

Abstract

Anterior shoulder dislocation is a common skiing injury. Several methods are available for reduction of shoulder dislocations. We evaluated a method for reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation that has not previously appeared in the literature. This method is performed with the patient seated in a chair with the chair used as countertraction. The physician applies traction to the affected shoulder using downward pressure on a loop of stockinette wrapped around the patient's forearm. Our method was successful in 97% of 118 anterior dislocations with no complications. Ninety-three percent were performed without the use of narcotic analgesia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manipulation, Orthopedic*
  • Middle Aged
  • Shoulder Dislocation / therapy*
  • Skiing / injuries*
  • Traction