Analgesia‐free Reduction of Anterior Dislocation of the Shoulder Joint

Abstract

In the well‐staffed casualty department, anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint can be achieved comfortably under intravenous sedation but the patient requires observation and airway protection until the sedation wears off. In a small busy clinic that does not have the luxury of observation beds and spare nursing staff, a sedated patient lying around occupying a bed presents a logistical problem. This article describes a technique for reducing anterior shoulder dislocation without the need for any sedating or narcotic analgesics.