Fast treatment of anterior shoulder dislocations with two sedation-free methods: The Davos self-reduction method and Arlt method.

Background: Various reduction techniques exist to treat traumatic shoulder dislocation, but best management remains unclear.

Aims: To investigate the reduction rate of traumatic anteroinferior shoulder dislocations using two sedation-free techniques and success rates of subgroups.

Methods: A single-center study was performed analysing shoulder dislocations in a two-year period. Adult patients with anteroinferior shoulder dislocation were included. Two sedation-free reduction techniques were used: the Davos self-reduction technique and the Arlt-chair technique. Two attempts were performed before sedation. All patients gave informed consent to study participation.

Results: The investigated 106 patients (106 shoulder dislocations) had a mean age of 48 ± 18 years (74% male patients). The majority occurred during winter sports (76%). The overall success rate for both sedation-free reduction techniques was 82% (87 reduced shoulders, two attempts). A significantly increased success rate was found in patients without greater tuberosity fracture (86% without vs. 68% with fracture, p = 0.002) and for patients with repeated dislocation (93% vs. 80% for primary dislocation, p = 0.004). Time for reduction was 5 minutes (Davos technique) and 1 minute (Arlt-chair-technique). Associated injuries were mostly Hill Sachs lesions (78%). There was no major complication and no new-onset sensory deficit.

Conclusion: Davos and Arlt reduction techniques allowed sedation-free and fast treatment for anteroinferior shoulder dislocation during winter sports.