Bedside ultrasound for verification of shoulder reduction

Shoulder dislocations are a common complaint in the emergency department. The management of these injuries is well described and often involves procedural sedation. Unfortunately, patients often recover from this sedation before radiographs can verify successful reduction. We describe 2 patients with glenohumeral dislocations and subsequent reduction immediately verified by bedside ultrasound before the patients' recovery from procedural sedation. Our experience suggests that ultrasound may reduce the need for repeated sedation, expedite care, and reduce costs.