A review of reduction techniques for anterior glenohumeral joint dislocations.

UNLABELLED: Objective This review article aims to describe the techniques, success rates, advantages and disadvantages of commonly used anterior shoulder reduction maneuvers.

METHODS: A review of literature was performed and each article was reviewed for the reported success rates, advantages, disadvantages and technical notes for each anterior shoulder reduction technique.

RESULTS: There are a wide variety of very successful shoulder reduction maneuvers, each with their own specific set of advantages and disadvantages.

CONCLUSION: While there are some situations that may favor one of these anterior shoulder reduction techniques over another; it is largely left up to the healthcare provider to determine which maneuver is best on a patient-to-patient basis.

KEYWORDS: Shoulder dislocation; shoulder subluxation; shoulder reduction; orthopaedics, emergency medicine.