Our experience with the external rotation method in the reduction of anterior dislocation of the shoulder

Abstract

Background: Dislocations of the shoulder are injuries frequently seen in the emergency department with the anterior type being the most common. Various methods are available in the reduction of these dislocations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the External rotation method (ERM) in the reduction of these dislocations and to compare the results with that of other authors as available in literature. Methods: 45 patients with anterior dislocation of the shoulder who presented between January 2013 to January 2015 reduced by the external rotation method were included in our study. Results: There was a male preponderance seen in our study with the right side being most commonly affected. The most common mode of injury was slip and fall followed by sports injuries. There were 41 primary and 4 cases of recurrent shoulder dislocations. Sub coracoid type was the most common type seen. 3 patients had associated greater tuberosity fractures out of which one patient required fixation with cannulated cancellous screws. The time taken for reduction ranged from 1.5 to 5 mins with most of the cases reduced within 2 minutes. We had a success rate of 93.3% with no complications encountered in our study. Conclusion: We conclude that the ERM is a simple, safe and easily reproducible procedure for the reduction of shoulder dislocations. It does not cause much discomfort to the patient and gives consistent reductions without the risk of iatrogenic complications associated with other methods of reduction.