Reduction of skiing-related anterior shoulder dislocation using Kocher's method without traction

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation is a common sports injury.
• Timely reduction is crucial for optimal outcomes.
• Traditional reduction techniques can be time-consuming and uncomfortable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Kocher's original method for acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation.
• To assess reduction time and complication rates associated with this technique.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study of 28 alpine skiers and snowboarders with acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation.
• Application of Kocher's original reduction method without humeral traction.
• Reduction attempts initiated within 1 hour of injury.

Main Results:

• Successful reduction achieved in 82% (23/28) of patients using Kocher's method alone.
• Mean reduction time was under 5 minutes; 39% of reductions took less than 1 minute.
• Minimal discomfort reported, with only 1 patient requiring analgesia and none requiring sedation.
• Low complication rate: 1 case of axillary nerve hyperesthesia, no fractures.

Conclusions:

• Kocher's original method is an effective and rapid technique for reducing acute anterior glenohumeral dislocations in athletes.
• The method demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal complications and patient discomfort.
• This technique offers a valuable, efficient option for managing shoulder dislocations in sports settings.