Overview of Shoulder Dislocation Reduction Techniques

(See also Overview of Dislocations Overview of Dislocations A dislocation is complete separation of the 2 bones that form a joint. Subluxation is partial separation. Often, a dislocated joint remains dislocated until reduced (realigned) by a clinician... read more and Shoulder Dislocations Shoulder Dislocations In shoulder (glenohumeral) dislocations, the humeral head separates from the glenoid fossa; displacement is usually anterior. Shoulder dislocations account for about half of major joint dislocations... read more .)

Among the techniques for reducing an anterior shoulder dislocation are

The original Hippocratic technique (operator's heel in the affected axilla to create countertraction) causes injuries and should not be done. The Kocher technique, which forcefully leverages the humerus, also has a high risk of complications and should not be done.

Reduction techniques for anterior dislocations generally use axial traction and/or external rotation. There is no single perfect or preferred technique. Most importantly, operators should be familiar with several techniques and use those appropriate to the patient's dislocation and clinical status (see Anterior Shoulder Dislocations: Treatment Treatment ).

Reduction attempts, particularly those done without sedation, are more likely to succeed if the patient is relaxed and cooperating. Analgesia and sedation can help relieve muscle spasms, as can mental distractions such as conversation.

Patients should be offered analgesia. However, if the patient wishes, one reduction attempt without analgesia may be done with a gentle reduction method (eg, Davos, scapular manipulation, Hennepin, FARES). Intravenous analgesia and/or an intra-articular injection of anesthetic may be given early during the initial evaluation to allay pain during x-rays and other pre-procedure preparations. Procedural sedation and analgesia How To Do Procedural Sedation and Analgesia Procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is the administration of a short-acting sedative-hypnotic or dissociative agent, with or without an analgesic, for patients undergoing anxiety-provoking... read more (PSA) may be used for patients having much anxiety and many muscle spasms and for reduction methods requiring more force (eg, traction-countertraction How To Reduce Anterior Shoulder Dislocations Using Traction-Countertraction Traction-countertraction is often used to reduce anterior shoulder dislocations. The most commonly used traction-countertraction method requires one or more assistants, physical force, and occasionally... read more and Stimson How To Reduce Anterior Shoulder Dislocations Using the Stimson Technique In the Stimson technique (hanging weights technique), the patient is prone on the stretcher with weights attached to the affected arm, which hangs from the side of the stretcher. Intra-articular... read more ).

Reduction of a posterior dislocation How To Reduce Posterior Shoulder Dislocations The technique to reduce a posterior shoulder dislocation is similar to the widely used traction-countertraction method for anterior shoulder dislocations. Intra-articular anesthetic and procedural... read more or an inferior dislocation (luxatio erecta) usually involves a traction-countertraction technique. When possible, an orthopedic surgeon should be consulted prior to reducing these dislocations.

Neurovascular injury may result from the dislocation (most often with an anterior dislocation) or from the reduction procedure. Joints should be reduced as soon as possible because delays increase the risk of neurovascular complications. To avoid increasing muscle spasms, all reductions are done gently and gradually, and reduction methods that use less force are often tried before those that use greater force. Choosing a gentle method is particularly important if a brachial plexus injury Brachial Plexus and Lumbosacral Plexus Disorders Disorders of the brachial or lumbosacral plexus cause a painful mixed sensorimotor disorder of the corresponding limb. Because several nerve roots intertwine within the plexus (see figure Plexuses)... read more is suspected.

Neurovascular assessments are done before the procedure and after each reduction attempt. The examination includes assessing distal pulses and digital capillary refill time (axillary artery), touch sensation of the lateral upper arm (axillary nerve), and function of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves (brachial plexus).

Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon should be obtained prior to reduction if the patient has a complicated shoulder injury, such as a

Other reasons to consult with an orthopedic surgeon prior to reduction include

Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon should be obtained after 2 or 3 failed attempts at closed reduction or after a successful reduction if

However, in all patients, if a neurovascular deficit is present, reduction must be done immediately. If an orthopedic surgeon is unavailable, closed reduction can be attempted, ideally using minimal force; if reduction is unsuccessful, it may need to be done in the operating room under general anesthesia.

Post-reduction x-rays should usually be done to document a successful reduction and to check again for fractures. However, x-rays may not be necessary in patients with minimally traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations.