Introduction: The Spaso technique for reduction of glenohumeral dislocation (GHD) has been recently introduced. It is considered to be a simple and successful method. However there are very few series. This study assesses the results obtained after the introduction of this technique in the Emergency Department.

Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the Emergency Department in the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona from 15 January to 25 of March 2007, when the Spaso technique began to be used. There were 27 glenohumeral dislocations reported in 26 patients. Two cases that had more than one day’s evolution were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 51 years (range 22–80); and there were 14 men and 10 women. In most cases (18 of the 25) analgesic-sedative treatment was administered previously. Success or failure of reduction was recorded as well as all associated complications.

Results: The technique was effective in 19 of the 25 cases (76% rate of success). In relapses of gleno humeral dislocation, reduction was achieved in 8 out of 9 cases. The success rate was similar for residents and specialists. No complications were seen.

Conclusions: The results achieved allow us to consider the Spaso technique as the safest and most effective method for reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocation, with success rates similar to those previously described. We consider that it is simple to learn and that it is one more technique to add to the resources available to the trauma specialist in the Emergency Department.

Introduction and purpose: Elbow arthroscopy (EA) has developed only recently and the main series have been published since the ‘80s. The present study reviews the experience gained with EA as well as the current indications of this technique in the Orthopaedic Surgery Department of the Purpan Hospital in Toulouse.

Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study on 23 patients (5 females and 17 males) with a mean age of 39.5 years (range: 17–68 years) operated on between 1993 and 2003. A record was kept of epidemiological variables, the indication, operative findings and the results, with a mean follow-up of 8 months (range: 1–36 months).

Results: Indication was diagnostic in 5 cases, diagnostic and therapeutic in 5 cases and diagnostic and therapeutic in 13 cases. A mini-procedure was performed in 3 cases to supplement the surgery of the posterior compartment. In 4 cases an external arthrotomy was carried out in order to extract large-size foreign bodies. The mean gain in ROM was 26°, with a mean gain in flexion of 5° and a mean gain in extension of 20.5°. During follow-up, 5 patients referred a persistence of pain. The best results regarding pain relief were obtained in patients with osteoarthritis. There was only one neurological complication, which was only transient.

Discussion and conclusions: We consider the elbow arhtroscopy to be a safe procedure whose mail indication is the extraction of foreign bodies. It is to be expected that the gradual improvement of the surgical technique will open the door to an increase in its indications.