If a picture says a thousand words, then we think a video is worth ten thousand! Rather than simply describing techniques, here are real life examples of shoulder reductions performed on real patients, as well as video walkthroughs of reduction techniques performed on models. If you have a video of a shoulder relocation that you would like us to feature, please contact us.
There is no single right or wrong way to relocate a shoulder, and many methods have been described. Some techniques rely on analgesia and anaesthesia, whereas other methods are successful with the provision of no or minimal analgesia.
The best technique depends on your skill and experience, the patient, and your available resources. Of course a good clinical examination is essential before attempted reduction.
If you have an interesting X-ray that you would like to share on the website, please contact us.
Here are references and useful articles. Some are available free on the web, whereas you may have access to others via your institution (e.g. Athens Login), or via subscription. Articles that are freely available have been provided with PDF links. If there is a reference that you think would be useful to have on our website, then please contact us.
Relocation Techniques
There is no single right or wrong way to relocate a shoulder, and many methods have been described. Some techniques rely on analgesia and anaesthesia, whereas other methods are successful with the provision of no or minimal analgesia.
The best technique depends on your skill and experience, the patient, and your available resources. Of course a good clinical examination is essential before attempted reduction.
Featured Videos
If a picture says a thousand words, then we think a video is worth ten thousand! Rather than simply describing techniques, here are real life examples of shoulder reductions performed on real patients, as well as video walkthroughs of reduction techniques performed on models. If you have a video of a shoulder relocation that you would like us to feature, please contact us.
Featured Pages
Analgesic Positions
Adequate positioning is the first step to relocating a shoulder. Analgesic positions provide immediate relief of pain, and will be adequate for most patients.
Read moreBoss-Holzach-Matter Method – An Autoreduction Technique
Have you every wanted to teach your patients how to relocate their own shoulders? The Boss-Holzach-Matter technique is an autoreduction technique that you can teach your
Read moreKocher’s Method (c. 1870)
Kocher is considered a pioneer in shoulder relocation. Here is Kocher's original paper, translated from German by Dr Neil Cunningham and Dr Leo Kretzenberger.
Read moreCunningham Technique
The Cunningham Technique uses a combination of specific massage of the spasming biceps at mid humerus and by asking the patient to shrug their shoulders.
Read moreLatest Updates
Posted on January 2, 2012
January 2012 – Relocation troubleshooting
ShoulderDislocation.net has posted two new videos on our YouTube channel and Videos page. These videos are quite a bit different from the others - in that things didn't quite go as smoothly as we would have hoped. In both of these shoulder dislocations the relocation was proving to be a little difficult and might prompt abandonment of the techniques in favour of heavier sedation. The first video shows a patient with in whom the muscle spasm was unable to be overcome with simple positioning and a variety of manoeuvres. She eventually required sedation resulting an a quick reduction In the second video, the patient has a subglenoid dislocation, and the operator tries to get the patient to adduct the arm. Unfortunately this is difficult, so Neil talks the operator through a series of manoeuvres to manipulate the humerus into the correct position, including attempting Zero Position. Eventually the shoulder is relocated.
Posted on December 1, 2011
December 2011 – Neil Cunningham talks to EM-RAPs Scott Weingard
This month, Neil Cunningham talks to Scott Weingart from EM-RAP about shoulder dislocation and the various methods of achieving relocation. The podcast is available for subscribers to EM-RAP. Neil focuses particularly on non-analgesic relocation methods, analgesic positioning, and talks about the recent translation of Kocher's method.
Posted on November 1, 2011
November 2011 – Should I relocate a shoulder in the field?
Have you ever been at a footy or rugby match, or on a skifield and seen someone with a dislocated shoulder? Ever wondered whether it is worth trying to relocate the shoulder "in-the-field", before xrays, analgesia or transfer to a hospital? Have you thought it might be better for the patient if they got their shoulder in sooner rather than later? This month Gerard Fennessy shares his experiences on a skifield, dealing with in-the-field dislocations. He talks about sedation and analgesia in remote locations, as well as the use of non-traction/countertraction techniques to make the relocation safer for the patient.
Posted on October 1, 2011
October 2011 – Analgesic Positions
Have you ever thought that there must be a perfect position for your patient with a dislocated shoulder? Well, usually there is (and I don't mean "relocated', although apparently that is a pretty good position!). When your patient comes in with a dislocated shoulder, there are several things you can do to give them immediate pain relief. And we are not necessarily talking about morphine or propofol! This month we look at analgesic positions for your patient - ones that provide near immediate relief of pain, before you can shout "Get a drip in!".
Posted on September 1, 2011
September 2011: Patient heal thyself! Teaching patients to reduce their own shoulders.
Have you ever wanted to teach your patients how to relocate thier own shoulders? Well now you can! The Boss-Holzach-Matter technique is an autoreduction technique that you can teach your patient to do, directly in the Emergency Department. This simple-to-teach technique also has a patient handout that you can print out.
