Reduction of acute shoulder dislocations using the Eskimo technique: a study of 23 consecutive cases

A new method of reduction of dislocated shoulders used by the Eskimos in Greenland is described. The method was tried as first attempt of reduction on 23 consecutive acute dislocations in the emergency room of a central Copenhagen hospital. The method was successful in 17 of the 23 (74%). Three dislocations required general anesthesia and two attempts were unsuccessful, but dislocations were reduced using other methods. The advantage of using the Eskimo method is: 1) it is simple and can be used by nonmedical personnel; 2) nontraumatic; and 3) needs no facilities.