A simple and gentle technique for reduction after anterior shoulder dislocation

Anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) is a common sports injury. The goal of this study was to evaluate a new procedure for reduction after ASD with respect to success rate, the need for medication for muscle relaxation, sedation, and application of pain medication and put it into context to a systematic literature review. We retrospectively evaluated the new method in 263 patients in an Austrian skiing area from December 2005 till April 2009. We included patients with unilateral ASD and excluded those with a combined trauma and consecutive admission to hospital. The new procedure is performed in a supine position, the therapist takes the patients hand of the injured limb with his one hand and with his other hand counter holds against the acromion. Then he enhances the traction on the upper limp by using his trunk as a kind of fulcrum. With eye contact and instructions to relax, the therapist is able to detect the muscular tension, so that he can adjust the amount of traction accordingly. The presented procedure was successful in all reported cases. For 196 patients (74.5 %) no medication for muscle relaxation, sedation, or pain medication were needed. The new method is a promising option to popular techniques for reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations. The benefits of this protocol are a gentle and simple application of the procedure as well as an easy acquisition.