We undertook a prospective study in 51 male patients aged between 17 and 27 years to ascertain whether immobilisation after primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder in external rotation was more effective than immobilisation in internal rotation in preventing recurrent dislocation in a physically active population. Of the 51 patients, 24 were randomised to be treated by a traditional brace in internal rotation and 27 were immobilised in external rotation of 15° to 20°. After immobilisation, the patients undertook a standard regime of physiotherapy and were then assessed clinically for evidence of instability. When reviewed at a mean of 33.4 months (24 to 48) ten from the external rotation group (37%) and ten from the internal rotation group (41.7%) had sustained a futher dislocation. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.74) between the groups. Our findings show that external rotation bracing may not be as effective as previously reported in preventing recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder

The authors introduce a new method for the closed reduction of anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Seventy-one patients with age range between 18 and 73 years were included in this prospective study. Sixty patients had pure anterior dislocation of the shoulder and eleven patients had an accompanied fracture of the greater tuberosity. Reduction of the shoulders was performed by first and second-year orthopaedic residents. Three methods were used for reduction; the new relaxed method, Kocher and the traditional Hippocrate’s methods. Residents were free to choose the type of method for reduction. The new relaxed method was performed while the patient was lying on his back and was fully relaxed. No sedation, or analgesics were used. While the arm was on side and the elbow extended, gentle longitudinal traction accompanied by continuous abduction was applied. Continuous vertical oscillation of the upper arm was applied simultaneously as the arm was brought gently into abduction. After 90 degrees of abduction the arm was externally rotated and abduction was continued gently to about 120 degres where reduction of the shoulder was expected. The new relaxed method was successfully used 28 times out of 34 attempts. The Kocher method was also successfully used 13 times out of 22 attempts and the Hippocrate’s method 10 times out of fifteen attempts. The new painless and smooth method for reduction of anterior dislocation of the shoulder is an effective, non-traumatic procedure that can be performed easily without the use of sedation or analgesia

We present a surgical technique through an axillary incision to perform scapular neck osteotomy and insertion of bone graft for recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder. Fifty patients in the age group 09–40 years with the history of anterior dislocation of shoulder more than three times were operated during 1988–1998. The dominant shoulder was involved in all cases and there was no history of epilepsy, addiction to drugs and psychosomatic ailments. The surgery was performed through an axillary incision. The lateral border of the scapula was palpated and infraglenoid tubercle identified. The scapular neck was osteotomised parallel to the glenoid margin, from infraglenoid tubercle to the lateral border of the base of coracoid leaving the superior cortex intact. The osteotomy was prised open and a 3 cmx1.5 cmx1 cm corticocancellous bone graft was wedgedwhich projected 10 mm anteriorly and 6 mm inferiorly. The graft remained secure and compressed in the osteotomy without any need of metallic fixation.The shoulder was immobilised in arm chest bandage for 4 weeks followed by mobilisation aimed to regain full movements in 12 weeks. The bone graft got incorporated in all patients in 6 months.There were no recurrence at follow up of 2–10 years. All the patients returned to their previous occupation. Rowes shoulder evaluation revealed excellent result (85–100 units). This surgical technique is extra-capsular, requires no muscle cutting, blood transfusion or metallic fixation. The projecting bone block anteriorly increased the depth of glenoid resulting in glenohumeral stability in larger arc of shoulder movements

Background. Acute anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint may be complicated by injury to neighboring structures. These injuries are best considered a spectrum of injury ranging from an isolated dislocation (unifocal injury), through injuries associated with either nerve or osteoligamentous injury (bifocal injury), to injuries where there is evidence of both nerve and osteoligamentous injury. The latter combination has previously been described as the “terrible triad,” although we prefer the term “trifocal,” recognizing that this is the more severe end of an injury spectrum and avoiding confusion with the terrible triad of the elbow. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for nerve and osteoligamentous injuries associated with an acute anterior glenohumeral dislocation in a large consecutive series of patients treated in our Unit. Materials and Methods. 3626 consecutive adults (mean age 48yrs) with primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation treated at our unit were included. All patients were interviewed and examined by an orthopaedic trauma surgeon and underwent radiological assessment within a week of injury. Where rotator cuff injury or radiologically-occult greater tuberosity fracture was suspected, urgent ultrasonography was used. Deficits in neurovascular function were assessed clinically, with electrophysiological testing reserved for equivocal cases. Results. Unifocal injuries occurred in 2228 (61.4%) of patients. There was a bimodal distribution in the prevalence of these injuries, with peaks in the 20–29 age cohort (34.4% patients) and after the age of 60 years (23.0% patients). Of the 1120 (30.9%) patients with bifocal dislocations, 920 (82.1%) patients had an associated osteotendinous injury and 200 (17.9%) patients had an associated nerve injury. Trifocal injuries occurred in 278 (7.7%) of cases. In bifocal and trifocal injuries, rotator cuff tears and fractures of the greater tuberosity or glenoid were the most frequent osteotendinous injuries. The axillary nerve was most frequently injured neurological structure. We were unable to elicit any significant statistical differences between bifocal and trifocal injuries with regards to patient demographics. However, when compared with unifocal injuries, bifocal or trifocal injuries were more likely to occur in older, female patients resulting from low energy falls (p<0.05). Conclusions. We present the largest series reporting the epidemiology of injury patterns related to traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Increased understanding and awareness of these injuries among clinicians will improve diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment

We conducted a prospective evaluation of patients with anterior dislocation of the shoulder associated with a fracture of the greater tuberosity. Thirty-four anterior dislocations of the shoulder with greater tuberosity fractures were reviewed with a minimum follow-up of one year from the time of injury. Eight required open reduction. The final outcome with regard to pain, range of movements, and function was assessed in 34 patients. In open reduction, there were five good results, one fair, one poor and one patient died. In the non-operative group, results were good in 11 patients, fair in eight, poor in one, not assessed in five and one patient died. Two patients have died in this series, one in the open reduction group. Associated injuries are: axillary nerve damage (three), brachial plexus injury (one), loose fragment under the acromion (one) and stiffness of the shoulder (three). Anterior dislocations of the shoulder with fracture of the greater tuberosity do not always lead to good results. Close observation after reduction is important to check for later displacement of the fractures

1 . The concept of the capsular mechanism of the shoulder joint with regard to recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder has been defined and a survey of the literature presented. 2. An anatomical, including an embryological, investigation of shoulder joints with special reference to the structure and function of the glenoid labrum and to the variations in the arrangement of the gleno-humeral ligaments and the synovial recesses of the anterior capsular mechanism is reported. The labrum, which is generally believed to be a consistent, fibrocartilaginous structure, is shown to be a redundant portion of capsular tissue and a continuation of the capsule as it attaches to the osseous glenoid rim. The fibrocartilaginous element is confined to a small transition zone at the capsular attachment in the great majority of cases. The great variability in the arrangement of the gleno-humeral ligaments and synovial recesses is stressed, and it is shown that an anterior pouch of variable size is present when the middle gleno-humeral ligament is attached to the scapular neck and not to the labrum. 3. The basic lesions of the anterior capsular mechanism found at operation for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder in twenty-five consecutive cases using a modified Bankart procedure with a standard anterior approach to the joint are reported, and the findings are correlated with the results of the anatomical investigation. In most cases the lesions were found to be of the Bankart type with or without avulsion of the periosteum of the scapular neck. In four cases, however, the soft-tissue attachment to the anterior glenoid rim was intact; in those cases a large synovial pouch was present and the middle gleno-humeral ligament was either not discernible or it arose from the scapular neck. In all cases a postero-lateral notch on the humeral head was palpable and laxity of the subscapularis could be demonstrated. When measured, the joint capacity was always greatly augmented. 4. The present work shows, from a basic standpoint, that Bankart's original idea that the recurrent state was due to the failure of healing of the fractured fibrocartilaginous glenoid labrum is no longer tenable. 5. Finally, the anomalous attachment or the insufficient development of the middle gleno-humeral ligament in certain cases of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation is shown to provide the anatomical basis for the recurrent state in these cases; this is the weak area in the antero-inferior part of the capsule which has been described in the literature for the past hundred years. Thus we have returned to the original view of Hippocrates

1. Un reduced anterior dislocation of the hip is very uncommon. Four cases are reported. 2. The aim of treatment is to correct the deformity, to improve the gait and to produce pelvic stability. 3. Osteotomy of the femur at the trochanteric level is the simplest corrective operation and will greatly improve the function of the limb

1. Seven cases of old unreduced anterior dislocation of the hip are reported. Six were complicated by myositis ossificans. 2. Four cases resulted from the fall of a heavy object on the lower back of a stooping person. 3. Trochanteric osteotomy in five cases not only corrected the deformity but gave stable, serviceable hips

Three cases of isolated anterior dislocation in the proximal tibiofibular joint are presented. The common aetiological feature was that injury occurred with the knee in hyperflexion and the foot inverted and extended. The symptoms of locking, pain and giving way may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of meniscal injury. Early diagnosis in the acute case enabled easy reduction. In the inveterate cases, resection of the head of the fibula gave complete relief of symptoms

The generally-accepted treatment for large, displaced fractures of the glenoid associated with traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder is operative repair. In this study, 14 consecutive patients with large (> 5 mm), displaced (> 2 mm) anteroinferior glenoid rim fractures were treated non-operatively if post-reduction radiographs showed a centred glenohumeral joint. After a mean follow-up of 5.6 years (2.8 to 8.4), the mean Constant score and subjective shoulder value were 98% (90% to 100%) and 97% (90% to 100%), respectively. There were no redislocations or subluxations, and the apprehension test was negative. All fragments healed with an average intra-articular step of 3.0 mm (0.5 to 11). No patient had symptoms of osteoarthritis, which was mild in two shoulders and moderate in one. Traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder, associated with a large displaced glenoid rim fracture can be successfully treated non-operatively, providing the glenohumeral joint is concentrically reduced on the anteroposterior radiograph

1. Two cases are reported of the uncommon condition of simple anterior dislocation of the head of the ulna at the inferior radio-ulnar joint. 2. The literature concerning the condition and its treatment is reviewed. 3. The mechanism of the inferior radio-ulnar joint is discussed with particular reference to the function of the triangular fibrocartilage. 4. The mechanism of injury is discussed and a new idea of this mechanism is put forward

Of 545 consecutive patients with anterior shoulder dislocations, 108 (20%) were aged 60 years or more at the time of injury. We reviewed and radiographed 95 of these elderly patients after a mean follow-up of 7.1 years. Axillary nerve injuries were seen in 9.3% of the 108 patients, but all recovered completely in 3 to 12 months. There were single or multiple recurrences of dislocation in 21 patients (22.1%), but within this group age had no influence on the tendency to redislocate. Tears of the rotator-cuff were diagnosed by imaging studies or clinically in 58 patients (61%), including all who had redislocations. Sixteen patients required surgery. Eight with a single dislocation and a cuff tear had only repair of the torn cuff. Of the eight patients with multiple dislocations requiring operation, five also had a torn cuff and needed either a stabilising procedure and a cuff repair or repair of the cuff only. All patients who were operated on had a satisfactory result, with the exception of those with multiple redislocations and a cuff tear who had repair of the cuff only. Anterior shoulder dislocation in elderly subjects is more common than is generally believed; 20% suffer redislocation and 60% have a cuff tear. Operation may be needed to repair a torn cuff or to stabilise the shoulder. Patients with multiple redislocations will probably require both procedures

Computerised arthrotomography was performed on 33 patients four to six weeks after acute primary anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Seventeen patients were under, and 16 over 50 years of age. Damage to the anterior glenoidal labrum was seen in all the younger patients and in 75% of the older ones. A large redundant capsular pouch, seen in the older patients, was present in 35% of the younger ones, and a posterior humeral head defect was seen in 82% of the younger patients and only 50% of the older. Associated fractures were more common in the older patients, and a tear of the rotator cuff was demonstrated in 63% of the older patients and in none of the younger ones

1. A case is described ofcomplete rupture ofthe second part of the axillary artery complicating anterior dislocation of the shoulder in a woman aged fifty years. 2. Interesting features were that the patient was comparatively young, that the rupture was a result of the dislocation and not of the reduction, that the axillary vein remained intact, and that a satisfactory circulation returned after ligation of the artery

We reviewed 15 patients, nine girls and six boys, with chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head which was treated by ulnar osteotomy, external fixation and open reconstruction of the elbow joint but without repair of the annular ligament. Their mean age was 9.5 years (5 to 15) and the mean interval between the injury and reconstruction was 22 months (2 months to 7 years). All radial heads remained reduced at a mean follow-up of 20 months (6 months to 5 years). Normal ranges of movement for flexion, extension, pronation and supination were unchanged in 96.1% (49/51) and worse in 3.9% (2/51). Limited ranges of movement were improved in 77.8% (7/9), unchanged in 11% (1/9) and further decreased in 11% (1/9).There were two superficial pin-track infections and two cases of delayed union but with no serious complications. Reconstruction of the radiocapitellar joint is easier using external fixation since accurate correction of the ulna can be determined empirically and active functional exercises started immediately. Only patients with a radial head of normal shape were selected for treatment by this method

Aim of this prospective, randomized study is to introduce and compare a new technique of reduction of the anterior dislocation of the shoulder with the “Hippocrates” and “Kocher” methods, as far as its efficacy, safety and intensity of the pain felt by the patient during the reduction, are concerned. This is the first reported prospective, randomized comparative study of three reduction techniques of anterior dislocations of the shoulder. 154 patients suffering from acute anterior shoulder dislocation participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups (New, “Hippocrates” and “Kocher”) and underwent reduction of their dislocation performed by residents orthopaedic surgeons. The groups were statistically comparable (age, male/ female ratio, mechanism of dislocation, mean time interval between injury and first attempt of reduction). Reduction was achieved with the “Fares” method in 88.6%, with the “Hippocrates” in 72.5% and with the “Kocher” in 68% of the patients. This difference was statistically significant, favoring the new method (p=0.033). The mean duration of the reduction (p=0.000) and the mean reported by the patients VAS with the new method (p=0.000) were also statistically significantly lower than those of the other methods. No complications were noted in any group. The new method seems to be more effective, faster and less painful method of reduction of the anterior shoulder dislocation, when compared with the “Hippocrates” and the “Kocher” methods. It is easily performed by only one physician and it is not more morbid that the other two methods

We measured torsion of the humeral head in 38 patients (40 shoulders) with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder (RADS) and in 40 normal subjects. We found a reduced mean retroversion in the patients with RADS at 4.3 +/- 10.56 degrees (17 degrees anteversion to 32 degrees retroversion) as compared with 16.1 +/- 11.07 degrees in the control group (0 degrees to 49 degrees) (p = 0.0001). There was anteversion in 11 of the 40 shoulders in the RADS group (27.5%) and in none of the control group. The first dislocation had occurred after minimal force in 18 of 25 patients with less than 10 degrees retroversion, but in only three of 15 with over 10 degrees retroversion. We conclude that decreased retroversion of the humeral head is often associated with RADS and with first dislocation of the shoulder caused by minimal force

1. The pathogenesis of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder has been studied at operation and by experiments on cadavers. 2. Lesions of the subscapularis muscle leading to lengthening and laxity have been demonstrated. 3. This lengthening is the prime factor in producing instability of the shoulder; capsular and bony defects are no more than subsidiary causes. 4. Good results have been obtained by a procedure based on this theory of etiology

We have reviewed 36 patients who had recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder after a previous anterior repair and analysed the various causes of failure. It was found that failure could have been avoided in virtually all of the patients by correct pre-operative diagnosis, selection of the appropriate operation and its proper execution. The further management of these patients is described and suggestions are made as to means of reducing the incidence of failure after primary operation

The results of operation for traumatic anterior dislocation of the head of the radius in eight children have been reviewed. We are satisfied on the basis of the results obtained and the outcome in one untreated patient that operative reduction is fully justified, provided that the annular ligament is reconstructed and internal fixation employed. We have not seen unilateral congenital dislocation and doubt its existence. Secondary subluxation of the distal radio-ulnar joint has been noted in an untreated patient