External rotation immobilization for primary shoulder dislocation: a randomized controlled trial

No Difference in Pain and Activities of Daily Living Between Immobilization in External and Internal Rotation Following Acute Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background The conventional treatment for anterior shoulder dislocations is immobilising the arm in adduction and internal rotation. However, recent basic science and clinical data indicate that immobilization in external rotation can reduce recurrent instability. The use of external rotation brace is not widespread, due to compliance and convenience issues. The purpose of our study is to compare pain and restriction in day-to-day activities experienced by patients after being immobilized in the two types of braces (external rotation and internal rotation) at the end of one week. Methods Between February 2023 to July 2024, 50 patients with acute shoulder dislocation (primary or recurrent) were randomized (concealed, computer-generated) to immobilization with either an internal rotation brace (n=26) or an external rotation brace (n=24). Validated scores (Pain-visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Katz Index for independence in activities of daily living) were used to collect data on the day of Immobilization and at the end of one week of immobilization. Results There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in Pain-VAS and Katz Index scores among the two brace types (external rotation and internal rotation) at the end of one week of follow-up. There was no loss in follow-up in either of our study groups. Conclusion Immobilization in external rotation after reduction of acute shoulder dislocation did not significantly differ from immobilization in internal rotation in terms of pain and limitations in activities of daily living experienced by the patient in the first week of immobilization.

Approach to Treating Patients after First-time Anterior Shoulder Instability: What Does the Evidence Say?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of first-time anterior shoulder instability (ASI) is an extensively studied yet controversial topic. Successful treatment requires incorporation of a wide range of factors including patient demographics, varying presenting pathology, functional demands, and sport specific considerations. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the current literature and trends regarding management of first time ASI events.

RECENT FINDINGS

For non-operative treatment of first-time ASI events, shorter times for immobilization and consideration of positioning in external rotation may be more beneficial. Operative intervention may be favored for patients at high risk of recurrence (young, male, collision sports, and/or overhead athlete). Historically, open soft tissue stabilization was a primary treatment option for ASI. More recently, there has been an increased emphasis on arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) especially in the United States. The remplissage has become a useful adjunct to ABR to manage cases with Hill-Sachs lesions or sub-critical bone loss. Latarjet (coracoid transfer) remains a well-studied and common option for cases of critical glenoid bone loss. When directly compared both ABR with Remplissage and Latarjet improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence in athletes with first-time ASI. Currently, there is no uniform approach to managing first-time ASI events. Therefore, an individualized approach is required with consideration of the individuals demographic, presence of bone loss, functional demands, and sport specific considerations. In young, male, collision athletes early surgical intervention may be beneficial to prevent recurrence. When faced with minimal (< 13.5%) or subcritical bone loss (13.5% to 20%), ABR with Remplissage may reduce rates of instability compared to ABR alone.

A Literature Review on Whether Immobilization of the Shoulder in External Rotation Improves Healing and Prevents the Recurrence of Acute Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder dislocations are one of the most frequent joint dislocations, with recurrent dislocations being a common complication. Common practice is to immobilize the shoulder in internal rotation for two to three weeks following closed reduction. However, recent literature suggests immobilization in external rotation can be an alternative management strategy. External rotation braces have been manufactured over the years to support and maintain this position. This literature review aims to gather current evidence on the conservative management of primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations and compare the immobilization of the shoulder joint in internal and external rotation. A literature search and review was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Key phrases and words that were used in the search engines included "shoulder immobilization" AND "external rotation", "anterior shoulder dislocation immobilization" AND "external rotation", "reduced recurrence rate of shoulder dislocation" AND "external rotation", "external rotation immobilization" AND "Bankart lesion" and "internal versus external rotation" AND "shoulder dislocation". The reviewed articles included were dated from 2014 to 2024 but additional valuable studies dating earlier than 2014 were also included to provide a foundation of understanding to this review. Included were nine clinical studies and randomized controlled trials, three cadaveric studies, eight studies focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) or arthroscopy, and seven systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Research revealed improved coaptation of the labrum on the glenoid rim in external rotation not only in cadavers but also in patients with the aid of various imaging techniques. However, these findings were not consistently observed when translated into clinical trials. Based on the available data presented in this literature review, there remains a deficiency in evidence to exclusively support the use of external rotation immobilization over conventional internal rotation immobilization after primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. External rotation immobilization may benefit a specific population, particularly those that fall in the 20-40-year-old age group, with a specific injury pattern, such as Bankart lesions and greater tuberosity fractures; therefore, further studies are required to determine who will benefit the most from such interventions.

Comparative efficacy of treatments for a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

First-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (FASD) is a common trauma associated with shoulder dysfunction. Although several randomized controlled trials have compared conservative and surgical treatments for FASD, the comparative efficacy of these treatments is poorly understood. In this network meta-analysis (NMA), we compared the available evidence on the efficacy of various interventions in patients with FASD.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases in March 2023. This NMA included randomized controlled trials comparing conservative and surgical treatments for FASD, including arthroscopic Bankart repair, arthroscopic lavage, external rotation (ER) immobilization, and internal rotation (IR) immobilization. The primary outcomes were redislocation rates, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) scores, and adverse events (AEs). We conducted random-effects NMA within the frequentist framework. To rank the treatments, the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curve was calculated using a Bayesian framework. We evaluated confidence in each outcome using the CINeMA tool.

RESULTS

Of the 2999 reviewed studies, 15 were included and analyzed. Regarding the primary outcomes, arthroscopic Bankart repair likely results in a large reduction in redislocation rates compared to IR immobilization (risk ratio [RR], 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.33). Both arthroscopic lavage (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.20-1.11) and ER immobilization (RR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-1.00) may reduce the redislocation rates slightly compared with IR immobilization. According to these results, arthroscopic Bankart repair ranked first in terms of reducing the redislocation rate, followed by arthroscopic lavage, ER and IR immobilization. Regarding the WOSI score, no substantial differences were observed in the WOSI scores among the four treatments. AEs showed that ER immobilization tended to cause greater shoulder stiffness than IR immobilization, and postoperative erythema, swelling, and adhesive capsulitis were observed after arthroscopic Bankart repair and lavage. However, a meta-analysis was not performed because the definitions of AEs differed between the studies.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic Bankart repair showed a significant effect in reducing the redislocation rate compared to IR immobilization. Although both arthroscopic lavage and ER immobilization seemed to be effective in reducing the redislocation rates, it was not statistically significant. Moreover, these four treatments may result in little to no difference in disease-specific quality of life and there is no clear evidence of AEs.

Comparing Recurrence Rates and the Cost-Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Labral Repair and Nonoperative Management for Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocations in Young Patients: A Decision-Analytic Markov Model-Based Analysis

BACKGROUND

Value-based decision-making regarding nonoperative management versus early surgical stabilization for first-time anterior shoulder instability (ASI) events remains understudied.

PURPOSE

To perform (1) a systematic review of the current literature and (2) a Markov model-based cost-effectiveness analysis comparing an initial trial of nonoperative management to arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) for first-time ASI.

STUDY DESIGN

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A Markov chain Monte Carlo probabilistic model was developed to evaluate the outcomes and costs of 1000 simulated patients (mean age, 20 years; range, 12-26 years) with first-time ASI undergoing nonoperative management versus ABR. Utility values, recurrence rates, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Costs were determined based on the typical patient undergoing each treatment strategy at the authors' institution. Outcome measures included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

The Markov model with Monte Carlo microsimulation demonstrated mean (± standard deviation) 10-year costs for nonoperative management and ABR of $38,649 ± $10,521 and $43,052 ± $9352, respectively. Total QALYs acquired over the 10-year time horizon were 7.67 ± 0.43 and 8.44 ± 0.46 for nonoperative management and ABR, respectively. The ICER comparing ABR with nonoperative management was found to be just $5725/QALY, which falls substantially below the $50,000 willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The mean numbers of recurrences were 2.55 ± 0.31 and 1.17 ± 0.18 for patients initially assigned to the nonoperative and ABR treatment groups, respectively. Of 1000 samples run over 1000 trials, ABR was the optimal strategy in 98.7% of cases, with nonoperative management the optimal strategy in 1.3% of cases.

CONCLUSION

ABR reduces the risk for recurrent dislocations and is more cost-effective despite higher upfront costs when compared with nonoperative management for first-time ASI in the young patient. While all these factors are important to consider in surgical decision-making, ultimate treatment decisions should be made on an individual basis and occur through a shared decision-making process.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of operative versus non-operative management for first time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young adults

Background

The most appropriate management following primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in young adults is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated operative versus non-operative management. The primary outcome measure was re-dislocation rate, in contrast to the often reported 'recurrent instability', which includes subjective instability.

Methods

Our review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022322600) and reported as per PRISMA guidelines. Selection criteria included mean age of participants between 15 and 25 and minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Results

21 studies meet the inclusion criteria with 5142 patients included. The mean age of patients was 23, with 87% male. There was a median of 54 patients per study and a mean follow up of 46 months per study. The mean re-dislocation rate was 16.08% in the operative group and 24.84% in the non-operative group. In the subgroup meta-analysis, including only RCTs, comparing arthroscopic stabilisation vs non-operative there was an odds ratio of 0.09, strongly favouring intervention.

Discussion

This systematic review found the literature available supports surgical intervention in patients under the age of 25, in order to reduce re-dislocation. However, there is a lack of cost-effectiveness data to support these findings, and this should be an area of future research.

Immobilization in External Rotation Versus Arthroscopic Stabilization After Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Systematic Review of Level 1 and 2 Studies

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic stabilization has been established as a superior treatment option for primary glenohumeral instability when compared with immobilization in internal rotation. However, immobilization in external rotation (ER) has recently gained interest as a viable nonoperative treatment option for patients with shoulder instability.

PURPOSE

To compare the rates of recurrent instability and subsequent surgery in patients undergoing treatment for primary anterior shoulder dislocation with arthroscopic stabilization versus immobilization in ER.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify studies that'evaluated patients being treated for primary anterior glenohumeral dislocation with either arthroscopic stabilization or immobilization in ER. The search phrase used various combinations of the keywords/phrases "primary closed reduction,""anterior shoulder dislocation,""traumatic,""primary,""treatment,""management,""immobilization,""external rotation,""surgical,""operative,""nonoperative," and "conservative." Inclusion criteria included patients undergoing treatment for primary anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation with either immobilization in ER or arthroscopic stabilization. Rates of recurrent instability, subsequent stabilization surgery, return to sports, positive postintervention apprehension tests, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 30 studies that met inclusion criteria included 760 patients undergoing arthroscopic stabilization (mean age, 23.1 years; mean follow-up time, 55.1 months) and 409 patients undergoing immobilization in ER (mean age, 29.8 years; mean follow-up time, 28.8 months). Overall, 8.8% of operative patients experienced recurrent instability at latest follow-up compared with 21.3% of patients who had undergone ER immobilization (P < .0001). Similarly, 5.7% of operative patients had undergone a subsequent stabilization procedure at latest follow-up compared with 11.3% of patients who had undergone ER immobilization (P = .0015). A higher rate of return to sports was found in the operative group (P < .05), but no other differences were found between groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for primary anterior glenohumeral dislocation with arthroscopic stabilization can be expected to experience significantly lower rates of recurrent instability and subsequent stabilization procedures compared with patients undergoing ER immobilization.

Current Evidence Regarding Shoulder Instability in the Paediatric and Adolescent Population

Paediatric and adolescent shoulder instability is caused by a unique combination of traumatic factors, ligamentous laxity, and pattern of muscle contractility. The multifactorial nature of its aetiology makes interpretation of the literature difficult as nomenclature is also highly variable. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing literature and shed light on the nuances of paediatric and adolescent shoulder instability. The epidemiology, clinical features, imaging, and management of all forms of paediatric shoulder instability are presented. The main findings of this review are that structural abnormalities following a dislocation are uncommon in pre-pubertal paediatric patients. Young post-pubertal adolescents are at the highest risk of failure of non-operative management in the setting of traumatic instability with structural abnormality, and early stabilisation should be considered for these patients. Remplissage and the Latarjet procedure are safe treatment options for adolescents at high risk of recurrence, but the side-effect profile should be carefully considered. Patients who suffer from instability due to generalized ligamentous laxity benefit from a structured, long-term physiotherapy regimen, with surgery in the form of arthroscopic plication as a viable last resort. Those who suffer from a predominantly muscle patterning pathology do not benefit from surgery and require focus on regaining neuromuscular control.

Development and Validation of Indicators for Population Injury Surveillance in Hong Kong: Development and Usability Study

BACKGROUND

Injury is an increasingly pressing global health issue. An effective surveillance system is required to monitor the trends and burden of injuries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify a set of valid and context-specific injury indicators to facilitate the establishment of an injury surveillance program in Hong Kong.

METHODS

This development of indicators adopted a multiphased modified Delphi research design. A literature search was conducted on academic databases using injury-related search terms in various combinations. A list of potential indicators was sent to a panel of experts from various backgrounds to rate the validity and context-specificity of these indicators. Local hospital data on the selected core indicators were used to examine their applicability in the context of Hong Kong.

RESULTS

We reviewed 142 articles and identified 55 indicators, which were classified into 4 domains. On the basis of the ratings by the expert panel, 13 indicators were selected as core indicators because of their good validity and high relevance to the local context. Among these indicators, 10 were from the construct of health care service use, and 3 were from the construct of postdischarge outcomes. Regression analyses of local hospitalization data showed that the Hong Kong Safe Community certification status had no association with 5 core indicators (admission to intensive care unit, mortality rate, length of intensive care unit stay, need for a rehabilitation facility, and long-term behavioral and emotional outcomes), negative associations with 4 core indicators (operative intervention, infection rate, length of hospitalization, and disability-adjusted life years), and positive associations with the remaining 4 core indicators (attendance to accident and emergency department, discharge rate, suicide rate, and hospitalization rate after attending the accident and emergency department). These results confirmed the validity of the selected core indicators for the quantification of injury burden and evaluation of injury-related services, although some indicators may better measure the consequences of severe injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed a set of injury outcome indicators that would be useful for monitoring injury trends and burdens in Hong Kong.

The Fragility Index of Statistically Significant Findings From Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing the Management Strategies of Anterior Shoulder Instability

BACKGROUND

Debate centering on the management of anterior shoulder instability (ASI) in recent years has led to many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) being published on the topic. The fragility index (FI) has subsequently emerged as a novel method of assessing significant findings reported in RCTs, particularly those with small sample sizes.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the FI of statistically significant findings in RCTs that reported the outcomes of management strategies of patients with ASI.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, 2 independent reviewers performed a systematic review of RCTs focusing on the outcomes of management strategies of patients with ASI. There were 3 main categories of RCTs included: (1) nonoperative management in internal rotation (IR) versus external rotation (ER), (2) nonoperative management versus a surgical intervention, and (3) surgical management with arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Bankart repair. The Fisher exact test was utilized to calculate the FI for the reversal of statistical significance in all statistically significant dichotomous outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 21 RCTs were included, including 1589 shoulders (mean age, 29.4 years) with a mean follow-up of 26.8 months. There were 10 RCTs (831 shoulders) that reported outcomes after the nonoperative management of ASI in IR versus ER, with a mean FI of 6.8. There were 5 RCTs (324 shoulders) that reported outcomes comparing the nonoperative and operative management of ASI, with a mean FI of 3.5. There were 6 RCTs (434 shoulders) that reported outcomes after the operative management of ASI with either arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Bankart repair, with a mean FI of 9.6.

CONCLUSION

The overall FI of RCTs reporting the outcomes of management strategies for patients with ASI was high, suggesting a moderate fragility of statistically significant outcomes including recurrence, revision stabilization, and return to play.

Editorial Commentary: A Consensus of Experts Complements the Clinical Evidence on Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

The current diagnostic and treatment strategies for anterior glenohumeral instability have been refined by high-quality clinical and basic science studies, but many controversies remain. These include the bone loss threshold for arthroscopic Bankart repair and the influence of other clinical factors on this decision, the optimal bracing position following anterior glenohumeral dislocation, and the optimal coracoid graft orientation during the Latarjet procedure. Randomized clinical trials often present conflicting results, and many of these are small-sample and fragile studies. Obtaining an expert consensus on the topic, by means of the Delphi method, is an attractive alternative to such clinical trials. Several studies employing variations of the Delphi method have addressed the diagnosis and treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability. These have stressed the importance of a meticulous technique during arthroscopic Bankart repair and of recognition of glenoid and humeral bone loss and treating this appropriately. These studies have also helped identify areas where consensus is modest or lacking to motivate additional clinical research study.

Immobilisation in external rotation after first-time traumatic anterior shoulder instability reduces recurrent instability: a meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Cadaveric and MRI findings have demonstrated significantly less labral separation and displacement when the shoulder is placed in external rotation as compared with internal rotation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study is to meta-analyse the randomised controlled trials in the literature to compare immobilisation in external versus internal rotation after first-time anterior shoulder dislocation.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomised controlled trials comparing immobilisation in external rotation versus internal rotation for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included.

FINDINGS

Nine randomised controlled trials with 795 patients were included. The mean age of included patients was 29 years, 82.4% were male and the mean follow-up was 25.5 months. As compared with immobilisation in internal rotation, compliance was significantly higher (74.5% vs 67.4%, p=0.01), and the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower (22.2% vs 33.4%, p=0.02) with immobilisation in external rotation. Additionally, in patients 20-40 years old the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower in those treated with immobilisation in external rotation than internal rotation (12.1% vs 31.4%, p=0.006). Immobilisation in external rotation also resulted in a higher rate of return to preinjury level of play (60.1% vs 42.6%, p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Immobilisation of the shoulder in external rotation after a traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation results in a higher compliance rate, a lower recurrent dislocation rate and a higher rate of return to play as compared with immobilisation in internal rotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Traumatic Primary Anterior Glenohumeral Joint Dislocation in Sports: A Systematic Review of Operative versus Nonoperative Management

Anterior shoulder (glenohumeral joint [GHJ]) dislocations are relatively common injuries in sports. Previous studies have evaluated clinical outcomes of operative and nonoperative management for primary traumatic anterior GHJ dislocations. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature in an effort to provide a thorough analysis of patients after undergoing closed reduction of a traumatic anterior GHJ dislocation, particularly among the athletic population. Two independent reviewers performed a comprehensive search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library through February 23, 2020. Unfortunately, the quantity and quality of published articles on this subject is very limited. In many studies, younger age (between 21 and 30 years) was associated with greater risk for recurrence of GHJ dislocations. Twelve studies (total N = 753) directly compared outcomes of operative versus nonoperative management. It seems that operative management significantly reduces recurrence rates with patients treated operatively among the young and active population. Operative management should be considered as a treatment option for young and athletic patients presenting with a first-time anterior GHJ dislocation.

Immobilization in External Rotation Reduces the Risk of Recurrence After Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Meta-analysis

Background

The best method for nonsurgical treatment after primary dislocation of the shoulder is not clear. The efficacy of immobilization with the arm in external rotation (ER) compared with internal rotation (IR) remains controversial.

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of ER immobilization versus IR immobilization on recurrence rate after primary dislocation of the shoulder from the evidence of randomized controlled trials.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE [Ovid SP], PubMed, Web of Science, EBM reviews, and CINAHL) and available proceedings according to the abstracts of major international meetings related to or including shoulder injuries and trauma were used to search for randomized controlled trials. Two independent investigators determined eligibility and carried out data extraction from the selected studies.

Results

A total of 9 studies (817 patients) were selected for this meta-analysis. They included 668 male and 149 female patients, with a mean age ranging from 20.3 to 37.5 years. In the 9 pooled studies, the recurrence rate of shoulder dislocation was 21.5% (84/390) in the ER group versus 34.9% (130/373) in the IR group. ER immobilization significantly reduced the recurrence rate compared with IR immobilization (risk ratio, 0.56; P = .007). In the subgroup analysis of those immobilized full-time, ER immobilization was significantly more effective than IR immobilization in reducing the recurrence rate (risk ratio, 0.57; P = .01). In the subgroup analysis of age, ER immobilization was significantly more effective than IR immobilization in those aged 20 to 40 years but not in those younger than 20 years.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates that ER immobilization reduces the recurrence rate after primary shoulder dislocation compared with IR immobilization in patients older than 20 years. When treating a patient with primary shoulder dislocation, the clinician should provide this information to the patient before a treatment method is selected.

Methods for assessment of patient adherence to removable orthoses used after surgery or trauma to the appendicular skeleton: a systematic review

Background

Patient adherence to treatment is a key determinant of outcome for healthcare interventions. Whilst non-adherence has been well evidenced in settings such as drug therapy, information regarding patient adherence to orthoses, particularly in the acute setting, is lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, summarise, and critically appraise reported methods for assessing adherence to removable orthoses in adults following acute injury or surgery.

Methods

Comprehensive searches of the Ovid versions of MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, Central, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and SPORTDiscus identified complete papers published in English between 1990 and September 2018 reporting measurement of adherence to orthoses in adults following surgery or trauma to the appendicular skeleton. Only primary studies with reference to adherence in the title/abstract were included to maintain the focus of the review. Data extraction included study design, sample size, study population, orthosis studied, and instructions for use. Details of methods for assessing adherence were extracted, including instrument/method used, frequency of completion, number of items (if applicable), and score (if any) used to evaluate adherence overall. Validity and reliability of identified methods were assessed together with any conclusions drawn between adherence and outcomes in the study.

Results

Seventeen papers (5 randomised trials, 10 cohort studies, and 2 case series) were included covering upper (n = 13) and lower (n = 4) limb conditions. A variety of methods for assessing adherence were identified, including questionnaires (n = 10) with single (n = 3) or multiple items (n = 7), home diaries (n = 4), and discussions with the patient (n = 3). There was no consistency in the target behaviour assessed or in the timing or frequency of assessment or the scoring systems used. None of the measures was validated for use in the target population.

Conclusions

Measurement and reporting of adherence to orthosis use is currently inconsistent. Further research is required to develop a measurement tool that provides a rigorous and reproducible assessment of adherence in this acute population.

Trial registration

PROSPERO: CRD42016048462. Registered on 17/10/2016.

Immobilization in external rotation versus internal rotation after shoulder dislocation: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Recurrence rates after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation are distinctly high. Whether the early external immobilization (ER) is better than the internal immobilization (IR) is still controversial.

HYPOTHESIS

To perform a systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that assessed the ability of external immobilization to reduce the recurrence in patients with primary anterior shoulder instability.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

As with the original review, we used the search strategies recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group for the identification of RCTs. Thirteen RCTs were included in the systematic review, and 11 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis.

RESULT

A total of 1042 participants with primary shoulder dislocation were involved. The meta-analysis of 11 trials revealed that ER therapy leading to less recurrence rates than participants treated with IR therapy (RR=0.55; 95%CI: 0.36 to 0.82; Z=2.88; p=0.004), and less complications (RR=0.6; 95%CI: 0.39 to 0.92; Z=2.33; p=0.02) from the 5 independent trials. The meta-analysis of three trials revealed that there are not statistically significant in compliance rate (RR=1.08; 95%CI: 0.89 to 1.29; Z=0.78; p=0.44). The GRADE level of evidence is high for adverse events, but moderate for recurrence rate and Compliance rate. The Begg test showed that no significant publication bias was detected (p=0.062).

DISCUSSION

This meta-analysis suggests that external immobilization is recommended to reduce the recurrence rate and prevent complications.

LEVEL OF PROOF

II, low-powered systematic review and meta-analysis (systematic review, meta-analysis).

Epidemiology of Paediatric Shoulder Dislocation: A Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2014

Limited knowledge is accessible concerning the tendencies of hospitalization for skeletally immature patients with episodes of shoulder dislocation. Our research aim was to evaluate annual hospitalizations for shoulder dislocation in paediatric patients in Italy from 2001 to 2014, on the basis of the official data source as hospitalization reports. The second purpose was to investigate geographical diversification in hospitalization for shoulder dislocation in regions of Italy. The last aim was to make statistical predictions of the number of shoulder dislocation hospitalization volumes and rates in skeletally immature patients based on data from 2001 to 2014. An examination of the National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) kept at the Italian Ministry of Health regarding the 14 years of our study (2001 through 2014) was conducted. These data are anonymous and include patient's age, gender, domicile, region and time of hospitalization, and the kind of reimbursement (public or private). In the 14-year study time, 344 hospitalizations for shoulder dislocation of patients aged 0-14 years took place in Italy. The male/female hospitalization ratio varied from a maximum of 3.0 (2001) to a minimum of 1.1 (2013), with a mean average ratio in the 2001-2014 timespan of 2.0. Almost half of the hospitalizations (49.1%) were performed in the South. The mean incidence of hospitalizations in Italy for shoulder dislocation in patients with less than 14 years was 0.3 for every 100,000 inhabitants in the same class of age. The most common treatment was a closed reduction (60.8%), followed by open stabilization (16.6%) and arthroscopic procedures (13.7%). The present registry study shows a low incidence of hospitalization for shoulder dislocation in young patients. The most common treatment for a shoulder dislocation in paediatric patients is a closed shoulder reduction. Regions from the south and the centre of Italy are marked by an inferior number of operations and a higher number of hospitalization for closed shoulder reduction.

Immobilization in external rotation after primary shoulder dislocation reduces the risk of recurrence in young patients. A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Patients that sustain anterior shoulder dislocation frequently experience recurrence. Immobilisation in external rotation has been proposed as a treatment that could lower this risk.

HYPOTHESIS

There is a difference in recurrence rates between immobilization in internal or external rotation following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-center randomized controlled trial. Fifty patients with a first episode of traumatic anterior dislocation were randomly assigned to immobilization in internal rotation (IR; 25 patients) or external rotation (ER; 25 patients) for three weeks. Clinical follow-up: 24 months. Additionally, some patients underwent a magnetic resonance imaging with intra-articular contrast (MR arthrography) within seven days after trauma, and then at three months.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

recurrence of dislocation. Secondary outcome: healing rate of labral lesions on MR arthrography.

RESULTS

Follow-up rate in the IR and ER group was 92% and 96% respectively. Recurrence rate did not show a statistically significant difference overall (IR 47.8% vs. ER 29.2%; p=0.188), but showed a significant difference favouring ER in the 20-40 years subgroup (IR 50% vs. ER 6.4%; p=0.044). Labral lesions' healing rate was 46.2% vs. 60% (IR vs ER; p=0.680). The recurrence rate among those with healed vs. non-healed labrum (regardless of immobilization) was 11.1% vs. 77.7% (p=0.001).

DISCUSSION

This study suggests that immobilization in ER compared to IR reduces the risk of recurrence after a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation in patients aged between 20 and 40 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II, low-powered prospective randomized trial.

External rotation bracing for first-time anterior dislocation of the shoulder: A discontinued randomised controlled trial comparing external rotation bracing with conventional sling

INTRODUCTION

Itoi et al. introduced the concept of bracing in abduction and external rotation to treat traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations. However, controversy remains as studies have reported variable results. Our study investigates whether there is a difference in outcomes between treatment with a conventional sling or external rotation brace.

METHODS

A prospective, multi-centre randomised control trial was conducted between 2006 and 2010. The study was discontinued early with 72 (36 cases in each group) first-time anterior shoulder dislocations recruited.

RESULTS

The re-dislocation rate over 24 months was comparable 30% (95% CI: 17-47) sling vs. 24% (95% CI: 13-41) external rotation bracing. Sixteen percent (95% CI: 7-32) of sling patients and 12% (95% CI: 5-27) of external rotation-bracing patients had shoulder stabilisation surgery within 24 months of the initial dislocation (p > 0.05). There was no difference in OSI scores at 24 months between the two treatment groups and intolerability of the external rotation brace was high.

CONCLUSION

Recruitment to this study was difficult, and lost-to-follow-up rates were high leading to early discontinuation of the study. The results suggest that ER bracing is unlikely to provide clinical benefit in traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation.

Conservative management following closed reduction of traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder

BACKGROUND

Acute anterior shoulder dislocation, which is the most common type of dislocation, usually results from an injury. Subsequently, the shoulder is less stable and is more susceptible to re-dislocation or recurrent instability (e.g. subluxation), especially in active young adults. After closed reduction, most of these injuries are treated with immobilisation of the injured arm in a sling or brace for a few weeks, followed by exercises. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2006 and last updated in 2014.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of conservative interventions after closed reduction of traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder. These might include immobilisation, rehabilitative interventions or both.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro and trial registries. We also searched conference proceedings and reference lists of included studies. Date of last search: May 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing conservative interventions with no treatment, a different intervention or a variant of the intervention (e.g. a different duration) for treating people after closed reduction of a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Inclusion was regardless of age, sex or mechanism of injury. Primary outcomes were re-dislocation, patient-reported shoulder instability measures and return to pre-injury activities. Secondary outcomes included participant satisfaction, health-related quality of life, any instability and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Both review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. We pooled results of comparable groups of studies. We assessed risk of bias with the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool and the quality of the evidence with the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven trials (six randomised controlled trials and one quasi-randomised controlled trial) with 704 participants; three of these trials (234 participants) are new to this update. The mean age across the trials was 29 years (range 12 to 90 years), and 82% of the participants were male. All trials compared immobilisation in external rotation (with or without an additional abduction component) versus internal rotation (the traditional method) following closed reduction. No trial evaluated any other interventions or comparisons, such as rehabilitation. All trials provided data for a follow-up of one year or longer; the commonest length was two years or longer.All trials were at some risk of bias, commonly performance and detection biases given the lack of blinding. Two trials were at high risk of selection bias and some trials were affected by attrition bias for some outcomes. We rated the certainty of the evidence as very low for all outcomes.We are uncertain whether immobilisation in external rotation makes a difference to the risk of re-dislocation after 12 months' or longer follow-up compared with immobilisation in internal rotation (55/245 versus 73/243; risk ratio (RR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 1.19; 488 participants; 6 studies; I² = 61%; very low certainty evidence). In a moderate-risk population with an illustrative risk of 312 per 1000 people experiencing a dislocation in the internal rotation group, this equates to 103 fewer (95% CI 194 fewer to 60 more) re-dislocations after immobilisation in external rotation. Thus this result covers the possibility of a benefit for each intervention.Individually, the four studies (380 participants) reporting on validated patient-reported outcome measures for shoulder instability at a minimum of 12 months' follow-up found no evidence of a clinically important difference between the two interventions.We are uncertain of the relative effects of the two methods of immobilisation on resumption of pre-injury activities or sports. One study (169 participants) found no evidence of a difference between interventions in the return to pre-injury activity of the affected arm. Two studies (135 participants) found greater return to sports in the external rotation group in a subgroup of participants who had sustained their injury during sports activities.None of the trials reported on participant satisfaction or health-related quality of life.We are uncertain whether there is a difference between the two interventions in the number of participants experiencing instability, defined as either re-dislocation or subluxation (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.14; 395 participants, 3 studies; very low certainty evidence).Data on adverse events were collected only in an ad hoc way in the seven studies. Reported "transient and resolved adverse events" were nine cases of shoulder stiffness or rigidity in the external rotation group and two cases of axillary rash in the internal rotation group. There were three "important" adverse events: hyperaesthesia and moderate hand pain; eighth cervical dermatome paraesthesia; and major movement restriction between 6 and 12 months. It was unclear to what extent these three events could be attributed to the treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence from randomised trials is limited to that comparing immobilisation in external versus internal rotation. Overall, the evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about whether immobilisation in external rotation confers any benefit over immobilisation in internal rotation.Considering that there are several unpublished and ongoing trials evaluating immobilisation in external versus internal rotation, the main priority for research on this question consists of the publication of completed trials and the completion and publication of ongoing trials. Meanwhile, evaluation of other interventions, including rehabilitation, is warranted. There is a need for sufficiently large, good-quality, well-reported randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up. Future research should aim to determine the optimal immobilisation duration, precise indications for immobilisation, optimal rehabilitation interventions, and the acceptability of these different interventions.

Treatment after traumatic shoulder dislocation: a systematic review with a network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review and compare treatments (1) after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation aimed at minimising the risk of chronic shoulder instability and (2) for chronic post-traumatic shoulder instability.

DESIGN

Intervention systematic review with random effects network meta-analysis and direct comparison meta-analyses.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, DARE, HTA, NHSEED, Web of Science) and reference lists were searched from inception to 15 January 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Randomised trials comparing any interventions either after a first-time, traumatic shoulder dislocation or chronic post-traumatic shoulder instability, with a shoulder instability, function or quality of life outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty-two randomised controlled trials were included. There was moderate quality evidence suggesting that labrum repair reduced the risk of future shoulder dislocation (relative risk 0.15; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.8, p=0.026), and that with non-surgical management 47% of patients did not experience shoulder redislocation. Very low to low-quality evidence suggested no benefit of immobilisation in external rotation versus internal rotation. There was low-quality evidence that an open procedure was superior to arthroscopic surgery for preventing shoulder redislocations.

CONCLUSIONS

There was moderate-quality evidence that half of the patients managed with physiotherapy after a first-time traumatic shoulder dislocation did not experience recurrent shoulder dislocations. If chronic instability develops, surgery could be considered. There was no evidence regarding the effectiveness of surgical management for post-traumatic chronic shoulder instability.

The position of sling immobilization influences the outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: a randomized, single-blind, prospective study

BACKGROUND

To date, no studies have been published that have assessed the optimal position of sling immobilization after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were randomized to a neutral rotation sling versus an internal rotation sling. The primary outcomes assessed included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder score; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score; visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and satisfaction; compliance ratings; and radiographic and range-of-motion measurements. Primary outcomes were assessed at baseline and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

RESULTS

All patient-determined outcome scores for both groups revealed statistically significant improvements (P < .0001) from enrollment to final follow-up. There were statistically significant advantages to the neutral rotation sling group compared with the internal rotation sling group when we evaluated the improvements in (1) active external rotation (42° vs 25°, P = .03), (2) passive external rotation (44° vs 26°, P = .02), (3) passive horizontal adduction (7.7 cm vs 3.7 cm, P = .05), and (4) pain relief with passive adduction (VAS score, 6.2 cm vs 3.5 cm; P = .002). There was a trend toward greater improvements in the neutral rotation sling group when we measured (1) active horizontal adduction (8.3 cm vs 2.9 cm, P = .06) and (2) active internal rotation behind the back (18 cm vs 11.1 cm, P = .09). At 2 weeks, the neutral rotation sling group had significantly less night pain than the internal rotation sling group (mean VAS score, 18 mm vs 34 mm; P = .047).

CONCLUSIONS

Neutral rotation sling use after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty resulted in statistically significant improvements in external rotation and adduction, as well as decreased night pain, compared with an internal rotation sling.

Nonoperative treatment of five common shoulder injuries: A critical analysis

Economic pressure highlights the critical need for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of various shoulder pathologies since under-diagnosis and under-treatment can result in increased costs to society in the form of disability and lost production. On the other hand, aggressive over-treatment can further inflate already burgeoning health-care costs and potentially harm the patient. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish the indications between operative and nonoperative management, especially in common shoulder pathologies such as rotator cuff tears, anterior shoulder instability, biceps tendinitis, lesions to the acromioclavicular joint, and proximal humeral fractures. As a result, a detailed analysis of individual risk factors for potential failures should be performed and treatment should be based on individualized care with consideration given to each patient’s particular injury pattern, functional demands, and long-term goals.

Epidemiology of glenohumeral dislocation and subsequent instability in an urban population

BACKGROUND

Glenohumeral dislocation is the most commonly encountered adult joint instability. The epidemiology in the United Kingdom and worldwide is unclear and often limited to young, active groups that are not representative of general populations. Information regarding epidemiology and outcome from a first dislocation is useful for trauma service planning and patient counseling. We calculated the incidence of shoulder instability after a first dislocation in our urban population and investigated predictors of recurrent instability.

METHODS

A prospectively collected trauma database was retrospectively examined to identify patients with a first-time dislocation. Demographics, subsequent dislocation, and instability details were collected from electronic patient records.

RESULTS

In a 38-month study period, 329 first dislocations occurred in a population of 475,147 with mean follow-up 28.5 months (range, 10-50 months). The overall incidence for first-time dislocations in this population was 21.9 per 100,000 population, of which 7.9% sustained a redislocation and 6.1% had further symptomatic instability. There were 18.8% with associated greater tuberosity fractures, 8.8% sustained a nerve injury, and 2.7% were posterior dislocations. A bimodal distribution was observed for males (peak incidence per 100,000 of 42.1 and 50.9 in 15-24 and ≥85 age groups, respectively), and unimodal for females (peak 45.7 in the 65-74 age group).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate a previously unreported burden of dislocation in older age groups and suggest a rate of recurrence lower than previously reported in the United Kingdom. The group aged 15 to 19 years was at the highest risk of recurrent dislocation and instability. Gender was not a significant predictor of instability.

What's New in Pediatric Upper Extremity Sports Injuries?

BACKGROUND

Sports injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients and the evaluation and treatment of these injuries continues to evolve. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the most recent literature, highlighting updates on sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients.

METHODS

An electronic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed for keywords related to pediatric overhead athletes, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, medial epicondyle fractures, shoulder instability, and clavicle fractures. Search results were filtered by publication date to yield articles published electronically or in print on or after January 1, 2013 to May 30, 2017. Papers were selected based on expert opinion and consensus by the authors and included if deemed to have contributed important findings to the above topics.

RESULTS

A total of 51 articles were deemed to have contributed significant findings to the literature: 11 overhead athlete, 9 OCD of the capitellum, 6 medial epicondyle fractures, 17 shoulder instability, and 8 clavicle fractures. The level of evidence for most studies was either Level III or IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Overuse and traumatic conditions of the pediatric elbow including UCL tear, capitellar OCD, and medial epicondyle fractures represent a significant portion of injuries in the overhead athlete. Research in the prevention and treatment of primary and recurrent shoulder instability in young athletes continues to evolve. The operative treatment of clavicle fractures in adolescents has been increasing without a commensurate increase in the level of evidence supporting such treatment. Advances have been made in the treatment of sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients, however, high-level, comparative outcomes research in many areas is lacking and this review may help inform topics for future study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-Literature review.

The Epidemiology and Natural History of Anterior Shoulder Instability

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to outline the natural history and best clinical practices for nonoperative management of anterior shoulder instability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies continue to demonstrate a role for nonoperative treatment in the successful long-term management of anterior glenohumeral instability. The success of different positions of shoulder immobilization is reviewed as well. There are specific patients who may be best treated with nonoperative means after anterior glenohumeral instability. There are also patients who are not good nonoperative candidates based on a number of factors that are outlined in this review. There continues to be no definitive literature regarding the return to play of in-season athletes. Successful management requires a thorough understanding of the epidemiology, pathoanatomy, history, physical examination, diagnostic imaging modalities, and natural history of operative and nonoperative treatment.

Position of Immobilization After First-Time Traumatic Anterior Glenohumeral Dislocation: A Literature Review

Anterior glenohumeral dislocation affects about 2% of the general population during the lifetime. The incidence of traumatic glenohumeral dislocation ranges from 8.2 to 26.69 per 100 000 population per year. The most common complication is recurrent dislocation occurring in 17–96% of the patients. The majority of patients are treated conservatively by closed reduction and immobilization in internal rotation for 2–3 weeks. However, no clear conservative treatment protocol exists. Immobilization in external rotation can be considered an alternative. A range of external rotation braces are commercially available.

The purpose of this work was to review the current literature on conservative management of glenohumeral dislocation and to compare the results of immobilization in internal and external rotation.

A comprehensive literature search and review was performed using the keywords “glenohumeral dislocation”, “shoulder dislocation”, “immobilization”, “external rotation”, and “recurrent dislocation” in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from their inceptions to May 2016.

Three cadaveric studies, 6 imaging studies, 10 clinical studies, and 4 meta-analyses were identified. The total number of 734 patients were included in the clinical studies.

Literature analysis revealed better coaptation of the labrum on the glenoid rim in external rotation in cadaveric and imaging studies. However, this tendency was not confirmed by lower redislocation rates or better quality of life in clinical studies.

On the basis of the available literature, we cannot confirm the superiority of immobilization in external rotation after glenohumeral dislocation when compared to internal rotation. A yet-to-be-determined group of patients with specific labroligamentous injury pattern may benefit from immobilization in external rotation. Further studies are needed to identify these patients.

Comfort and acceptability of various immobilization positions using a shoulder external rotation and abduction brace

BACKGROUND

Immobilization with shoulder braces is used for conservative treatment of an initial shoulder dislocation. Various arm positions have been investigated to determine optimal position in terms of the anatomical reduction of the Bankart lesion. Recently, the effect of immobilization in shoulder abduction as well as in external rotation has been reported. However, there are few studies assessing subjects' acceptability of the brace in various arm positions. We hypothesized that a certain arm position regarding abduction or external rotation for immobilization would induce significant discomfort during activities of daily living.

METHODS

A dominant arm of 20 healthy participants was immobilized with a shoulder brace in 4 different positions; adduction and internal rotation (Add-IR), adduction and external rotation (Add-ER), 30° of abduction and 30° of external rotation (Abd-30ER), and 30° of abduction and 60° of external rotation (Abd-60ER). After completing immobilization for 24 h, subjects were asked to assess the discomfort of bracing for overall and individual activities, using a visual analogue scale. Data were compared among the four positions.

RESULTS

For overall activities and several activities (eating, reading books, and removing and putting on pants), Abd-60ER was significantly more uncomfortable than adducted arm positions. Abd-30ER did not show any differences compared to the other arm positions.

CONCLUSION

Immobilization in abduction and external rotation seems to be acceptable although the arm position in 30° of abduction and 60° of external rotation is less comfortable than the others. Our results might be useful in determining and developing the ideal shoulder brace which could keep patients' compliance and improve their outcomes.

Immobilization in External Rotation Versus Internal Rotation After Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The recurrence rate after primary anterior shoulder dislocation is high, especially in young, active individuals. Recent studies have suggested external rotation immobilization as a method to reduce the rate of recurrent shoulder dislocation in comparison to traditional sling immobilization.

PURPOSE

To assess and summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effect of internal rotation versus external rotation immobilization on the rate of recurrence after primary anterior shoulder dislocation.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and abstracts from recent proceedings were searched for eligible studies. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (632 patients) were included in this review. Demographic and prognostic variables measured at baseline were similar in the pooled groups. The average age was 30.1 years in the pooled external rotation group and 30.3 years in the pooled internal rotation group. Two studies found that external rotation immobilization reduced the rate of recurrence after initial anterior shoulder dislocation compared with conventional internal rotation immobilization, whereas 4 studies failed to find a significant difference between the 2 groups. This meta-analysis suggested no overall significant difference in the rate of recurrence among patients treated with internal rotation versus external rotation immobilization (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.42-1.14; P = .15). There was no significant difference in the rate of compliance between internal and external rotation immobilization (P = .43). The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores were pooled across 3 studies, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .54).

CONCLUSION

Immobilization in external rotation is not significantly more effective in reducing the recurrence rate after primary anterior shoulder dislocation than immobilization in internal rotation. Additionally, this review suggests that there is minimal difference in patients' perceptions of their health-related quality of life after immobilization in internal versus external rotation.

Does the position of shoulder immobilization after reduced anterior glenohumeral dislocation affect coaptation of a Bankart lesion? An arthrographic comparison

BACKGROUND

The position of immobilization after anterior shoulder dislocation has been a controversial topic over the past decade. We compared the effect of post-reduction immobilization, whether external rotation or internal rotation, on coaptation of the torn labrum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients aged <40 years with primary anterior shoulder dislocation without associated fractures were randomized to post-reduction external rotation immobilization (nine patients) or internal rotation (11 patients). After 3 weeks, magnetic resonance arthrography was performed. Displacement, separation, and opening angle parameters were assessed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Separation (1.16 ± 1.11 vs 2.43 ± 1.17 mm), displacement (1.73 ± 1.64 vs 2.28 ± 1.36 mm), and opening angle (15.00 ± 15.84 vs 27.86 ± 14.74 °) in the externally rotated group were decreased in comparison to the internally rotated group. A statistically significant difference between groups was seen only for separation (p = 0.028); p values of displacement and opening angle were 0.354 and 0.099, respectively.

CONCLUSION

External rotation immobilization after reduction of primary anterior shoulder dislocation could result in a decrease in anterior capsule detachment and labral reduction.

Does external rotation bracing for anterior shoulder dislocation actually result in reduction of the labrum? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

External rotation (ER) bracing has been shown to improve labral reduction in cadaveric studies, but this has not translated to universal improvement in re-dislocation rates in clinical series.

PURPOSE

To systematically review and critically appraise the literature that investigates how well the labrum is actually reduced by ER in patients who have had an anterior shoulder dislocation.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the online databases Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register. Studies were included if they reported on the difference in labral reduction after ER and internal rotation bracing in patients who had a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

RESULTS

Of the 6 studies included, 5 assessed labral reduction on magnetic resonance imaging and 1 arthroscopically. Each study reported an overall improvement in labral reduction with ER, but anatomic reduction was not commonly achieved. This was despite the use of extreme positions that are unlikely to be well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

External rotation results in anatomic reduction of the labrum in only 35% of cases. We postulate that failure to reduce the labrum may be a contraindication to ER bracing and propose further study to determine whether acute MRI could be used to help identify patients in whom ER achieves labral reduction in a comfortable position. This approach also has the advantage of avoiding the significant inconvenience of ER bracing in those in whom the labrum does not reduce and are therefore theoretically less likely to benefit. However, it is a novel strategy with significant resource implications and therefore warrants further study.

Arm Abduction Provides a Better Reduction of the Bankart Lesion During Immobilization in External Rotation After an Initial Shoulder Dislocation

BACKGROUND

Shoulder dislocation often recurs, especially in the younger population. Immobilization in external rotation, in which a Bankart lesion is displaced in the anterior, medial, and inferior directions, was introduced as a new method of nonoperative treatment, but its clinical efficiency is controversial. In terms of reducing the lesion, it is reasonable to incorporate not only external rotation, which makes the anterior soft tissues tight to push the lesion posteriorly and laterally, but also abduction, which makes the inferior soft tissues tight to push the lesion superiorly.

HYPOTHESIS

Abducting the arm during immobilization in external rotation will improve the reduction of a Bankart lesion.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

There were 37 patients with initial shoulder dislocation enrolled in this study. After reduction, MRI was taken in 4 positions of the shoulder: adduction and internal rotation (Add-IR), adduction and external rotation (Add-ER), 30° of abduction and 30° of external rotation (Abd-30ER), and 30° of abduction and 60° of external rotation (Abd-60ER). On radial slices, the separation, displacement of the labrum, and opening angle of the capsule were measured.

RESULTS

Add-ER improved the reduction of the anterior labrum but not the inferior labrum when compared with Add-IR. Both Abd-30ER and Abd-60ER improved the reduction of the inferior labrum as compared with Add-IR. Furthermore, Abd-60ER improved the reduction more than Add-ER.

CONCLUSION

Among the 4 positions tested, Abd-60ER is the best position in terms of reducing the Bankart lesion.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Abducting the shoulder during immobilization in external rotation is demonstrated to improve the reduction of the Bankart lesion. Therefore, this position is expected to reduce the recurrence rate after initial dislocation of the shoulder. Future clinical trials are necessary.

Conservative treatment of traumatic shoulder instability: a case series study

PURPOSE

The aim of this case series study was to evaluate the efficacy of a rehabilitative approach to restoring stability, range of motion, and function of shoulder joint in non-operated adults presenting a first episode of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

METHODS

In this case series study, we evaluated patients aged from 20 to 44 years, with diagnosis of first episode of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. All participants underwent a conservative treatment protocol, lasting 3 months. The primary outcome measure was the Rowe score for instability. Follow-up evaluations were done at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS

We evaluated 32 participants mean aged 27.94 ± 2.23 years. At the baseline (T 0), the participants had a mean Rowe score of instability of 44.53 ± 7.00 SD, where 81.25% had a poor score and 18.75% had a fair score. At 24 months (T 4), the Rowe score for instability was 79.84 ± 6.66 SD. 21.88% of patients had a fair score, 71.87% had a good score, and 6.25% had an excellent score.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that our rehabilitative approach seems to be effective in the conservative management of shoulder instability in adults with first episode of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, not involved in sport activity, and not overhead workers.

Low-cost alternative external rotation shoulder brace and review of treatment in acute shoulder dislocations

Traumatic dislocations of the shoulder commonly present to emergency departments (EDs). Immediate closed reduction of both anterior and posterior glenohumeral dislocations is recommended and is frequently performed in the ED. Recurrence of dislocation is common, as anteroinferior labral tears (Bankart lesions) are present in many anterior shoulder dislocations.14,15,18,23 Immobilization of the shoulder following closed reduction is therefore recommended; previous studies support the use of immobilization with the shoulder in a position of external rotation, for both anterior and posterior shoulder dislocations.7-11,19 In this study, we present a technique for assembling a low-cost external rotation shoulder brace using materials found in most hospitals: cotton roll, stockinette, and shoulder immobilizers. This brace is particularly suited for the uninsured patient, who lacks the financial resources to pay for a pre-fabricated brace out of pocket. We also performed a cost analysis for our low-cost external rotation shoulder brace, and a cost comparison with pre-fabricated brand name braces. At our institution, the total materials cost for our brace was $19.15. The cost of a pre-fabricated shoulder brace at our institution is $150 with markup, which is reimbursed on average at $50.40 according to our hospital billing data. The low-cost external rotation shoulder brace is therefore a more affordable option for the uninsured patient presenting with acute shoulder dislocation.

Approach to the treatment of primary anterior shoulder dislocation: A review

Glenohumeral joint dislocation is common among younger, active patients. Anterior dislocation is the most common direction of instability following a traumatic event. Due to a high rate of recurrence following primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, an evidence-based approach is necessary to determine the best treatment regime for a patient presenting with this problem. A history, physical examination, and radiographic imaging can help guide treatment recommendations by determining the extent of soft tissue damage following dislocation. Controversies in the treatment of the first-time dislocator include the length and position of immobilization following dislocation, and the role of initial surgical stabilization. This article outlines the treatment options for the first-time glenohumeral dislocator, with an emphasis on the available evidence in the literature. Where applicable, the criteria known as the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy were used to summarize the strength of evidence available for recommendations.