Reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocations: a new closed reduction technique.

Abstract

A new closed reduction technique for anterior glenohumeral dislocations and tuberosity fracture dislocations is introduced. Forty-one consecutive patients with an acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation or tuberosity fracture dislocation underwent closed reduction by an orthopaedic surgeon employing this new method. Closed reduction was successful in 88% of patients using the reduction maneuver. Associated fracture with glenohumeral dislocation did not influence the success rate of the reduction maneuver. An assistant was needed in 15% of cases. No complications related to the reduction maneuver were noted amongst the cohort. This novel reduction technique is safe demonstrating excellent success rates both for anterior shoulder dislocations and tuberosity fracture-dislocations.