A New Method of Shoulder Reduction in the Elderly

A new method of reduction of shoulder dislocation has been employed in 35 elderly patients with excellent results. The surgeon stands behind the seated patient and inserts his flexed forearm into the axilla of the affected shoulder. His free hand applies traction on the flexed forearm of the patient. The surgeon's forearm pulls in a proximal and lateral direction and levers the head of the humerus into the socket. The method is relatively atraumatic, provides more direct control of the limb and applies more effective forces than the Kocher, Stimson, or hippocratic maneuvers.