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.