A New Patient-Controlled Technique for Shoulder Relocation in Emergency Departments

BACKGROUND The glenohumeral joint is the most mobile joint in the human body due to the shallowness of the glenoid socket. This unique anatomy also makes it the most dislocated joint in humans. All the techniques described so far for relocation require operator control and prescription drugs. We describe a technique that is unique, easy, and patient-controlled. CASE REPORT A 29-year-old male patient presented to the Emergency Department after falling from scaffolding at work. He had left shoulder dislocation confirmed by clinical and radiological examination. The patient lay face down on the trolley with trolley being raised with electronic controls. The shoulder was reduced with ease and the patient was discharged home after radiologic confirmation of reduction. CONCLUSIONS A new patient-controlled technique for reduction of the glenohumeral joint following dislocation is described. It is simple, safe, and effective to perform in Emergency Departments.