The external rotation method for reduction of acute anterior dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Several methods of reducing an acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder have been described. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the external rotation method in the reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations with and without fractures of the greater tuberosity and to evaluate the causes of failure.

METHODS: Senior and junior orthopaedic residents attending in the Emergency Department were instructed in the external rotation method for the reduction of a shoulder dislocation in a classroom setting. Forty patients with an acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder, with or without an associated fracture of the greater tuberosity, who were treated with this method were evaluated prospectively. Data sheets completed by the orthopaedic residents when this method was used were evaluated with regard to the type of dislocation, the effectiveness of the procedure in achieving reduction, the need for premedication, the ease of performing the reduction, and complications, if any.

RESULTS: Of the forty patients, thirty-six had a successful reduction. No premedication was required in twenty-nine patients who had a successful reduction, and the average time required for reduction in twenty patients was less than two minutes. Only four patients reported severe pain during the process of reduction. The method was not successful in four patients, two of whom had a displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity.

CONCLUSIONS: The external rotation method for the reduction of an acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder is a safe and reliable method that can be performed relatively painlessly for both subcoracoid and subglenoid dislocations provided that a displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity is not present.