[Analgesic-free self-reduction of acute shoulder dislocation]

Incidence and severity of shoulder lesions are increasing especially in alpine skiing accidents. In case of a shoulder dislocation there is always the question of a safe and atraumatic reduction technique if possible without analgetics or even general anesthesia. We present a new reduction technique with the help of the patient's own body weight under muscular relaxation. Even in the presence of displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity or a depression fracture of the humeral head successful reductions were obtained. After the reduction, the arm is immobilized in a Gilet. The patient is able to leave immediately after a radiographic control. We have been using this method for some years with a primary success rate of about 60 per cent.