[Immobilisation of the shoulder in external rotation after traumatic first-time dislocation--what is reasonable? A retrospective survey].
BACKGROUND
Immobilisation in external rotation has become a new option in the therapy of the traumatically dislocated shoulder. Brace comfort and patient's satisfaction with this kind of conservative treatment are evaluated in a retrospective survey.


METHODS
34 patients with a traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were immobilised in an external rotation brace for three weeks. Afterwards they were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding brace comfort and how they managed their daily life with one arm immobilised in external rotation.


RESULTS
29 questionnaires could be evaluated. 26 patients (90%) were satisfied with the new therapy. 24 patients (83%) would prefer the conservative treatment in an external rotation brace in case of another dislocation under similar circumstances. The impact of the brace therapy on daily live was reasonable. 79% of the patients (23) wore the brace more than 20 hours daily (average 22 hours, min.15, max. 24 hours).


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the uncomfortable arm position during immobilisation the therapy in an external rotation brace showed a high acceptance. In addition to previous results regarding reposition of the labroligamentous complex it appears to be proven a suitable therapy for first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.
Schliemann
B
B
Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Deutschland. benedikt.schliemann@gmail.com
Seybold
D
D
Muhr
G
G
Gekle
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012783:Shoulder Dislocation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult