Reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations under local anaesthesia--a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the application of local anaesthesia for reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocation DESIGN A prospective study of patients coming with anterior dislocation of shoulder to KMCTH from July 2002 to Sep 2003. SUBJECTS Patients of aged 15-55 years with no associated fractures of adjoining bones. RESULTS A total of fifteen patients with anterior inferior shoulder dislocation were studied and all were reduced safely under local anaesthesia. CONCLUSION Use of intra-articular lignocaine for reduction of shoulder dislocation is safe and effective and is beneficial for countries like Nepal where health facilities are minimum in rural and suburban areas.