Ever wonder how to reduce a shoulder? Maybe you’re down range and you need to do a shoulder reduction without being able to evacuate the patient- this is for you. Come back to this page and review the video if you’re about to try it downrange. Don’t do this in urban America where Emergency Rooms and clinics are available.
A good distal Neuro and vascular exam should be completed before and after reduction. If possible, its best to try to get a post reduction X-ray to confirm the joint is reduced, especially in cases where a clunk cannot be fully appreciated. The axillary nerve should be checked after reduction also by feeling the deltoid area of the shoulder for sensory.
Post reduction, the patient should be in an immobilizer or similar to avoid dislocating again.
Extra Credit for Next Level Medics
- Further study materials on Shoulder Dislocations on OrthoBullets.Com (Resident Physician Notes)
- Podcast on Shoulder Dislocations from OrthoBullets.Com (Resident Ortho Physician Site)
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All content is intended to be educational only. Medics should operate under the supervision of a medical provider and abide by all local laws while stateside. Medics should only practice at the level credentialed, and only at the level allowed. This content is not intended to treat or give a substitution for any credentialed provider. Content is intended to aid in a deployed prolonged care setting. Take guidance from your leaders. Utilize these posts as preparation and as a supplement to your provider’s direction and teaching.