[Traumatic shoulder dislocation. Late functional results with reference to the frequency of redislocation]

This study reports on the after-examination of 86 out of 107 patients with primary shoulder dislocation. Of greatest interest was the question which period of immobilisation would yield the best results. The most frequent type of dislocation was the subcoracoid position in 62% of all cases. In 44% the dislocations were associated with fractures especially of the greater tuberosity. The greatest number of dislocations occurred between 61 and 80 years of age (= 42%). The second highest number was found between 21 and 40 years of age (= 29%). In 47% of all cases the shoulder was immobilised for a week, in 40% between one and two weeks and in 13% for more than two weeks. The incidence of recurrence was 15% (13 patients). In 8 cases (= 9%) a recurrent dislocation of the shoulder resulted, whereas in 5 cases (= 6%) only one relapse occurred due to a repeated intense trauma. The function of the injured shoulder is most significantly impaired and rendered worse by the factors: higher age (greater than 41 years) and associated fractures. The duration of immobilisation itself has neither a significant influence on posttraumatic function of the shoulder nor on the incidence of recurrence. Therefore, an uncomplicated dislocation of the shoulder should be immobilised for a short period only. However, in cases of associated fractures, immobilisation will be necessary for a longer time.