Comparing Reduction Methods for Anterior Shoulder Dislocations

Authors

Kim Dinh, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Orthopedics

Advisor

Tom Colletti

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Anterior shoulder dislocation reduction methods were reviewed in terms of success rates, time to successful reduction, pain levels and minimizing complications.

Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted with the search terms “shoulder reduction techniques success rate.” Three pertinent articles were retrieved and served as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: Results showed some inconsistencies in success rates and successful reduction times of each method with pain levels and complication rates requiring further data and research. The systematic review by Alkaduhimi et al showed that the scapular manipulation technique had the highest success rate and fastest reduction time with the FARES technique having the next highest success rate and reduction time. The meta-analysis by Dong et al showed no difference in success rates when comparing the various shoulder reduction techniques. However, leverage techniques tend to be quicker with marginally higher pain levels than traction-countertraction methods. Fennelly et al demonstrated that a new maneuver by Bokor and Billman had a higher success rate in the pre-hospital setting when compared to other methods. Pain levels and complication rates were unreliable due to insufficient data collection.

Conclusion: There is no consensus anterior shoulder dislocation reduction technique that is superior in successful reduction rate, minimizing time to successful reduction and patient pain levels and limiting complication rates. There are promising results that show leverage techniques optimizing reduction times and traction-countertraction methods minimizing pain levels. Further research is necessary to compare pain levels and success and complication rates.

Keywords: Closed; Dislocation; Reduction; Review; Shoulder; Maneuver; Techniques.

Recommended Citation

Dinh K. Comparing Reduction Methods for Anterior Shoulder Dislocations. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 4(1).