Closed reduction of anterior subcoracoid shoulder dislocation. Evaluation of an external rotation method.

We prospectively evaluated an external rotation method for closed reduction of acute anterior shoulder dislocations that had been described recently. Seventy-eight of 100 consecutive emergency patients who presented with anterior shoulder dislocations experienced successful reduction using this external rotation method. The method proved to be easy to perform and relatively safe. Based on our findings, we recommend that it be included in the physician's armamentarium for initial closed reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation.