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Erschienen in:
01.12.2008 | Original Contribution
How much external rotation is needed for immobilizing acute anterior shoulder dislocation in external rotation?
Erschienen in: Obere Extremität | Ausgabe 4/2008
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Introduction
Immobilization in external rotation after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation has been shown to improve the position of the labroligamentous lesion. The purpose of the present study was to determine, with the use of MRI, the effect of 15° and 30° external rotation braces on the position of the labral lesion.
Patients and methods
Twenty patients with a first time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation were immobilized with a 15° or 30° external rotation brace for three weeks. Using MRI imaging immediately following trauma and six weeks after trauma, separation and dislocation between the labrum and the glenoid tip were defined.
Results
In the 20 patients, separation and the dislocation were significantly improved with use of the external rotation position. Internal rotation MRI taken three weeks after immobilization showed fixation of the labrum in the position that was achieved with initial external rotation. No statistical difference could be found between the patients who were immobilized with a 15° or 30° external rotation brace on the MRI taken six weeks following trauma as far as dislocation and separation of the labrum were concerned. The one-year follow-up of the 20 patients revealed a Constant score of 95.2 and a Rowe score of 94.5 points. Two patients sustained redislocation; all other patients returned to their previous activity level.
Conclusions
Immobilizing the shoulder after first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with a 15° or 30° external rotation brace achieves an equal amount of labral reduction and fixation.