A Randomized Evaluation of Emergent Immobilization in External Rotation in the Management of Acute Anterior Dislocations of the Shoulder

Shoulder dislocations are quite common, the prevalence over a lifetime being estimated at 2% in the general population. In young patients, recurrence after a primary dislocation is also common (~60%) and multiple recurrent episodes can cause significant disability over time. Following initial reduction of the joint, the traditional treatment for primary shoulder dislocations has been immobilization in a sling, with the arm in a position of adduction and internal rotation. The length of the immobilization period is controversial, however most authors would recommend between three to six weeks in a sling followed by several months of rehabilitation to include range of motion and strengthening exercises. The clinical course of patients after this approach has been extensively investigated. Of particular interest is the relatively high rate of recurrent instability in young patients, reported to be between 17 and 96%.

A prospective randomized trial is needed to determine whether in young patients (16-30 yrs of age) following reduction of a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, does EMERGENT (<4 hours post reduction) immobilization of the affected shoulder in external rotation reduce the rate of recurrent instability experienced within 12 months versus emergent immobilization in a traditional internal rotation sling? Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to the sling or ER brace. The results of this study will provide the best evidence for choosing emergent immobilization for shoulder dislocations.