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[Immobilisation of the shoulder in external rotation after traumatic first-time dislocation--what is reasonable? A
B Schliemann1, D Seybold, G Muhr
1Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Deutschland. benedikt.schliemann@gmail.com
Background:
Immobilisation in external rotation has become a new option in the therapy of the traumatically dislocated shoulder. Brace comfort and patient's satisfaction with this kind of conservative treatment are evaluated in a retrospective survey.
Methods:
34 patients with a traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were immobilised in an external rotation brace for three weeks. Afterwards they were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding brace comfort and how they managed their daily life with one arm immobilised in external rotation.
Results:
29 questionnaires could be evaluated. 26 patients (90%) were satisfied with the new therapy. 24 patients (83%) would prefer the conservative treatment in an external rotation brace in case of another dislocation under similar circumstances. The impact of the brace therapy on daily live was reasonable. 79% of the patients (23) wore the brace more than 20 hours daily (average 22 hours, min.15, max. 24 hours).
Conclusion:
Despite the uncomfortable arm position during immobilisation the therapy in an external rotation brace showed a high acceptance. In addition to previous results regarding reposition of the labroligamentous complex it appears to be proven a suitable therapy for first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.
