Techniques for reduction of anteroinferior shoulder dislocation

Abstract

Dislocation of the shoulder joint is common. The shoulder is affected in up to 60% of all major joint dislocations, one study citing an incidence of 1.7% in the general population. The most common form is anteroinferior dislocation. A variety of techniques to reduce shoulder dislocation has been described. The key to successful relocation is a thorough understanding of the anatomy of both the enlocated and the dislocated shoulder joint.