Comparative effectiveness of the GivMohr sling in subjects with flaccid upper limbs on subluxation through radiologic analysis

Abstract

Objective: To test the effectiveness of the GivMohr sling in reducing subluxation while providing joint compression through a flaccid limb, using the criterion standard of radiography for measuring subluxation.

Design: Anteroposterior 0 degree radiographs were taken of each subject: 1 of the unaffected shoulder and 3 of the affected shoulder; 1 without a sling, 1 with the GivMohr sling, and 1 with the Rolyan humeral cuff sling.

Setting: Two large rehabilitation centers.

Participants: Twenty-five adult volunteers with a flaccid upper limb (UL) secondary to cerebrovascular accident or other pathology.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Vertical and horizontal subluxation were measured in millimeters on each of the 4 radiographs for each subject.

Results: A 1-way analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for vertical but not horizontal subluxation. Post hoc tests showed that the GivMohr sling measures were similar to measures for the uninvolved shoulder, but significantly different from measures for the Rolyan and the involved shoulder.

Conclusions: These results show that a properly fitted GivMohr sling reduces subluxation without overcorrecting. This new sling provides an alternative treatment option for persons with flaccid ULs that may prevent secondary complications and improve outcomes.