Relocating dislocations in a wilderness setting: use of hypnosis

Abstract

Joint dislocations or fracture/dislocations of extremities are disabling injuries in wilderness areas, both to the individual patient and to the patient's wilderness group. Recognizing the beneficial effect of early relocation of dislocations, wilderness practitioners are now encouraged to attempt joint relocations in the backcountry setting. To be successful, adequate sedation/relaxation must be achieved. Hypnosis was applied in six patients with shoulder or ankle dislocations. Successful relocations were accomplished in five of the patients. Those with upper extremity dislocations were immediately able to walk out with minimal assistance after relocation.