Emergency Medicine Reports – October 20, 2013
October 20, 2013
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The Approach to Shoulder Dislocation in the Emergency Setting
More than 95% of shoulder dislocations are anterior in location. Pre- and post-reduction radiographs are not required in patients with chronic recurrent dislocations who have dislocations with minor or no trauma. Leverage reduction techniques may be able to reduce the dislocation without the need for opiates or sedatives. Post-reduction immobilization is primarily done for patient comfort, not to reduce the risk of recurrent dislocation.