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Simple self-reduction method for anterior shoulder dislocation
Authors: Reiner Wirbel, Martin Ruppert, Elmar Schwarz, Bernhard Zapp
Number of views: 1039
Objective: To demonstrate and evaluate a modified simple method about self-reduction of
anterior shoulder dislocation for significance in the emergency room.
Methods: The Boss-Holzach-Matter method for self-reduction of anterior shoulder disloaction
is described. Patients with an anterior shoulder dislocation were retrospectively analysed
concerning age, gender, type of anterior shoulder dislocation, occurrence of associated fractures,
time between injury and reduction, reduction time, and method of reduction with its respective
success rate.
Results: Eighty-six patients (52 men, 34 women, mean age 49 years) were treated from January
2010 to June 2014. The reduction time ranged between 20 seconds and 6 min (mean 1.5 min).
Subcoracoid type of shoulder dislocation was seen in 72 cases (84%), subglenoid type in 14
cases (16%). Associated factures were seen in 20 cases, proportionally more often in subgleboid
dislocations, 12 at the greater tuberosity, 6 at the inferior rim of the glenoid fossa and 2 at both
localizations. The Boss-Holzach-Matter method was used in 35 cases with a success rate of
71.5%; die Kocher method and traction/countertraction method with premedication were used in
14 cases and 17 cases with success rates of 64% and 70%, respectively. All other cases and the
failed primary attempts required hyponotic medication. All patients older than 70 (n=16) were not
able to perform the self reducing procedure.
Conclusion: The presented Boss-Holzach-Matter method for reduction of anterior shoulder
dislocation is a simple method without the need of anaesthesia, but cooperation from patients is
crucial. The successful rate is comparable with other established methods.