Inferior shoulder dislocation reduced in ED.
Background
An elderly man presented after a fall with his arm raised above his head and pain in that shoulder. X-ray showed an inferior shoulder dislocation. Using Penthrox the shoulder was reduced. First traction-counter-traction was used but didn’t work [i.e. traction in the superior-lateral direction]. The second attempt using a two step method was successful.
Assessment
The two step method is: anterior traction of the humerus essentially converting an inferior dislocation to an anterior dislocation. Then the usual methods to reduce an anterior shoulder dislocation.
