Should All Shoulder Dislocations be Closed Reduced? Assessment of Risk of Iatrogenic Injury in 150 Patients.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between iatrogenic fractures and closed reduction of shoulder dislocations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective case series, 150 consecutive patients with acute first time shoulder dislocations were evaluated. Patient demographics, direction of dislocation, associated injuries, reduction methods, number of attempts, and type of anesthesia/analgesia were determined. Pre- and post-reduction radiographs and medical record were reviewed to identify the presence of proximal humerus fractures.

RESULTS: There were thirty nine fracture-dislocations (26%) of the proximal humerus. Eight patients (5%) failed reduction on initial attempt. Four of these (3%) were unable to be reduced in the emergency room and were taken to OR for reduction. There was no statistically significant difference in reduction maneuver or type of anesthesia/analgesia used when comparing fracture-dislocations to dislocations only (p<0.05). No new fractures after reduction were identified.

CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic fractures of the proximal humerus due to reduction of a shoulder dislocation are extremely rare. None were identified in this review of 150 patients. We believe that closed reduction is safe even in the setting of fracture dislocations.